Police arrest nine suspects over Plateau attacks

The police command in Plateau says it has arrested nine suspects over the recent violent attacks in the state.

On Monday, at least eight people were killed during a violence that erupted in Mangu town of Mangu LGA of the state.

Many houses were also destroyed during the attacks.

On Tuesday, the Plateau state government declared a 24-hour curfew in Mangu LGA.

There have been recurring attacks in communities under LGA, leading to loss of lives and properties.

Recently, some residents set a number of houses on fire in Mangu town in protest against the deteriorating security situation in the area.

Speaking during a press briefing in Jos, the capital of Plateau, on Thursday, Ebong Eyibio, assistant inspector-general of police (AIG) in charge of zone 4, said operatives repelled attacks which were targeted at Ntam community and the ASTC company in Mangu LGA.

Eyibio said the police also thwarted the attacks targeted at places of worship in Panyam district.

The AIG said dangerous weapons, such as machetes, kegs containing petrol, and other items, were recovered from the nine suspects.

“Nine suspects have been arrested. Exhibits recovered from them include dangerous weapons, such as machetes, kegs containing Petrol, and other items,” Eyibio said.

“The area remains highly secured by security forces and strict compliance to the curfew is being complied with.

“To prevent further escalation of the incident which is almost snowboarding into an ethno-religious crisis, I have ordered the deployment of additional special intervention personnel to Mangu LGA to be commended by the area commander, Pankshin, and restore normalcy in that area.”

He added that security operatives and a delegation from Plateau government met leaders of the Muslim and Christian communities in Mangu LGA to deliberate on ways to resolve the crisis