Plateau killings: 20 arrested, 33 rescued as police deploy crack team

The Nigerian Police Force says it arrested 20 suspects and rescued 33 victims in connection to the attacks in Rukuba community, Plateau state.

TheCable had reported that 22 travellers were killed in an attack along Rukuba road in Jos north LGA, on Saturday.

The travellers were said to consist of worshippers, who were on their way to Ondo state after attending the annual zikr prayer in Bauchi, when they were attacked.

Reacting to the attack, Frank Mba, police spokesperson, in a statement on Sunday, said Alkali Baba, inspector-general of police, has ordered immediate deployment of a police intervention team to the state.

According to the statement, the inspector-general of police condemned the violent attacks while calling for calm in the area.

“The Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, fdc has ordered the immediate deployment of Police Intervention Team to Plateau State to carry out on-the-spot assessment and ensure enhanced, coordinated response to protect the community and boost public confidence in the affected area(s) of the state,” the statement reads.

“The IGP, while condemning the incident, has called for calm and assured victims and relatives of the attack that the Police are working with the military, other security forces and the State Government to ensure that all perpetrators of the unfortunate incident are brought to book.

“Meanwhile, the IGP noted that twenty (20) suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack while thirty-three (33) victims have been rescued.

“The IGP enjoined citizens in the affected area(s) to support the security forces deployed to the hotspot by providing useful information that will lead to the arrest of other perpetrators of the crime and forestall any further attack.”