17 suspects nabed over Mangu attacks by suspected bandit militia

By: Bodunrin Kayode 

17 suspects have been apprehended over the Christmas Eve and recent Mangu massacre, the plateau state command of the Nigerian police has said.

Briefing newsmen in Jos today, the AIG Zone 4 Ebong Eyibo said that as of Thursday, nine suspects were arrested in connection with the massacre of 30 people in Mangu so far, and manhunts are going on for more.

Parading the suspects in jos, Eyibo went on: “Before you are the eight suspects from the December 24th 2023 attack and the nine suspects arrested in connection with the recent attacks in the state.

He said that exhibits recovered from the suspects include dangerous weapons, such as machetes, kegs containing gasoline, and other items.

The area remains highly secured by security forces, and strict compliance with the curfew is being recognized, according to him.

The AIG said that: “On January 24 at about 2200 hrs, we received intelligence concerning an attack that was targeted on the Ntam community and the ASTC Company, both of Mangu LGA.

“Our team of agile police officers from the IGP Special Intervention Squad stationed at the ASTC, in conjunction with Area Commander Pankshin and the DPO, swung into action and thwarted the attempted attack.”

He said that in a separate incident, an attempt by some criminal arsonists in Panyam District to set fire to some worship centers was prevented by swift intervention from the police and with the help of some elders of the community.

“Also, in another development, to further strengthen the existing security architecture in the Mangu Council area, ensure compliance with the curfew imposed by the government, and prevent further escalation of the incidence, which is almost snowballing into an ethno-religious crisis, I have ordered the deployment of additional Special Intervention personnel to Mangu LGA to be commanded by the Area Commander, Pankshin, and restore normalcy in that area.

In another development, he said that a delegation from the Plateau State Government led by the Security Adviser to the Governor, heads of other security agencies, and leaders from both the Christian and Muslim communities gathered at the Mangu Township Stadium and the Miskam Mwaghavul Palace in Mangu yesterday, the 24th day of January 2024, to deliberate and chart a way forward to put a stop to the menace.

“We called on the leadership of both faiths to call their followers to order and ensure total compliance with the government-imposed curfew.

“Both parties have promised to comply in the interest of peace in their communities. So far, over 10 corpses have been recovered from various locations; two injured persons are currently receiving treatment at the hospital; one car; and ten houses were burned down,” he said.

The AIG commiserated with the government and people of the Mangu council area over the loss of lives and properties as a result of these attacks, adding that he will bear zero tolerance for any act of criminality and will continue to intensify efforts towards restoring peace, public confidence, and normalcy within the state.

He then urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the security agencies, as they are working tirelessly to maintain peace and order in the region.

Meanwhile, the curfew imposed on Mangu still stands, as pockets of attacks are reported to be taking place in the wee hours of the night.

MUTFWANG CONVENES SECURITY MEETING TO TACKLE UNREST IN MANGU

Meanwhile, in response to the escalating security challenges resulting in the loss of lives and property in Mangu Council Area, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has convened an emergency State Security Council meeting.

The meeting, which took place at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, had in attendance heads of security agencies in the state.

A statement from his spokesman, Gyang Bere, stated that the primary focus of the meeting was a comprehensive review of the security situation in the state, with special attention given to the affected communities for swift and effective intervention.

Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens of the state.

“He pledged to pursue justice for all citizens affected by the recent incidents,” said the release.

17 suspects nabed over Mangu attacks by suspected bandit militia