In a significant step, police have presented seventeen individuals in connection with the current wave of killings across Plateau State. The accused were introduced to the media by Ebong Eyibio, Assistant Inspector General of Police in Charge of Zone 4, at the Plateau State Police Command headquarters in Jos.
According to Eyibio, eight of the captured suspects are linked to the 2023 Christmas Eve attacks, while the remaining nine were arrested in connection with a recent security breach in the state’s Mangu Local Government Area. During the press briefing, Eyibio, represented by the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, revealed that ten bodies were discovered following the recent event in Mangu.
Eyibio provided details of the police action, stating, “The Plateau State Police Command has successfully repelled an attack on villages in Mangu LGA of the State. On 24/01/24 at about 22:00 hours, we received intelligence concerning an attack targeted on the Ntam community and the ASTC Company, both of Mangu LGA.”
He went on to highlight the swift response of the police, preventing attempted attacks in different locations, including an arson attempt on worship centers in Panyam District. To reinforce security measures and ensure compliance with the imposed curfew in Mangu LGA, Eyibio announced the deployment of additional Special Intervention personnel to the area.
The police official emphasised a zero-tolerance policy to criminal activity, as well as a commitment to restoring peace, public trust, and normalcy inside the state. Exhibits discovered from the accused included deadly weapons including machetes and fuel kegs.
Eyibio advised the public to remain calm and cooperate with security authorities, telling them that measures were being made to ensure regional peace and order. It is worth remembering that Eyibio was dispatched to Plateau State following the Christmas Eve attacks, and the current arrests represent a big step towards tackling the state’s security concerns.
