Crime
17 suspects nabed over Mangu attacks by suspected bandit militia

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
Crime
Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau

Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A herdsman has been killed and 36 cows shot dead by unknown assailants in a fresh attack at Ndinn village, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident, which occurred on Monday evening, is the latest undocumented violent attacks that have continued to claim lives and property in parts of the state.

Witnesses said the attackers ambushed the herder, identified as Abubakar Alhaji Woda, while he was grazing his cattle, and shot him dead before opening fire on his herd, killing 36 cows on the spot.
Residents described the attack as unprovoked and expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity in rural parts of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring local government areas.
They lamented that despite several similar attacks in recent weeks, no arrests have been made, and the perpetrators continue to operate with impunity.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FUYODA Riyom chapter coordinator, Muhammad Saidu, described the attack as “a heartbreaking reminder of the persistent insecurity and injustice faced by peaceful Fulani communities in Plateau.”
“We strongly condemn this act of violence and call on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served,” Saidu said.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and called on the government to take decisive steps to restore confidence among pastoral communities who continue to suffer silent losses in the ongoing communal crisis.
“May Almighty Allah grant Abubakar Alhaji Woda Jannatul Firdaus, forgive his shortcomings, and comfort his family with patience and strength during this difficult time,” he added.
However, as of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Plateau State Government or security agencies regarding the attack.

Zagazola report that the recurring cycle of violence in Plateau State has often been reported only from the angle of reprisals, while several attacks on herders go undocumented or receive limited attention.
Community leaders have called on security operatives to fish out the perpetrators and ensure justice is served to prevent further escalation of hostilities in the area.
Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau
Crime
Again, Two Fulani women boy killed in fresh attack by Berom Militia along Mangu road, Plateau

Again, Two Fulani women boy killed in fresh attack by Berom Militia along Mangu road, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men suspected to be members of a Berom militia have reportedly killed two Fulani women and a young boy in a fresh attack along the Mangu Road, near the NYSC orientation camp in Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were travelling in a commercial vehicle on Wednesday evening when they were stopped by the attackers, forced out of the car, and shot dead on the spot.
The incident is the latest in what residents describe as a disturbing and unprovoked pattern of targeted attacks against peaceful Fulani communities in parts of Plateau, particularly in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local government areas.
Community sources lamented that such attacks have become recurrent but rarely attract public condemnation or decisive government response, unlike reprisal incidents that often dominate media headlines.
They accused the state authorities of selective silence and inaction, noting that despite the frequency of these killings, little effort has been made to arrest or prosecute the perpetrators, many of whom are reportedly well known in the affected communities.
A youth leader in the area, who pleaded anonymity for security reasons, said the persistent attacks were pushing the communities toward despair.
“We have lost count of our people killed in unprovoked assaults. Sadly, the moment there is a reprisal, that is when the world takes notice. The government must rise above bias and protect everyone equally,” he said.
Security sources confirmed increased tension in the area following the latest killings, warning that unless prompt measures are taken, reprisal attacks could further escalate the fragile security situation in the state.
The Government of the state and Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report.
Again, Two Fulani women boy killed in fresh attack by Berom Militia along Mangu road, Plateau
Crime
Bandits abduct 30 villagers in Zamfara

Bandits abduct 30 villagers in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have abducted 30 people during an attack on Zamfarawa village in Zugu District, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Zagazola Makama report that the attack occurred on Oct. 7 at about 2:20 p.m., when a large number of bandits stormed the community, shooting sporadically to scare residents.
The hoodlums were said to have whisked away 30 villagers to an unknown destination.
Following the incident, security forces have intensified efforts to trace and rescue the abducted victims.
End
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