Police declare 11 persons wanted over killings in Plateau

The special military task force of operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Plateau has declared 11 people wanted over killings in the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Jos, the state capital, on Friday, Terzungwe Iyua, deputy commissioner of police, said the suspects were responsible for the 2023 Christmas Eve attacks.

Iyua, the deputy commander of OPSH, said the wanted suspects are also behind other recent attacks in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi LGAs of the state.

”In line with the mandate of OPSH, we have not rested on our oars in efforts to bring the perpetrators of all heinous crimes to face justice,” NAN quoted Iyua as saying.

”In this regard, we have sustained intelligence-led operations, which led to the neutralisation in contact with some of the perpetrators as well as the arrest of most of the criminals who participated in some of the attacks.

”For those still at large, over time, we exploited the use of technology to conduct forensic examinations, which revealed their identities.

”Our efforts to ensure lasting peace have been occasionally derailed by the activities of enemies of peace, and this is why we are calling on the public to help us with useful information on their whereabouts.”

The deputy commander listed the wanted persons to include Muhammadu, also known as MP Muhammed and MOPOL; Rabiu Ibrahim, Buba Sobe, Senfos Inusa, Nahaska Boderi, Habu Mohammadu, Dudi Mohammadu, Ja’afaru Matakala, Hassan Waje, and Sanusi Dafor.

Plateau has witnessed repeated attacks by armed persons on communities, leading to the deaths of thousands of people.

In 2023, more than 115 people were killed following attacks by gunmen on communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi LGAs of the state.

On January 5, the police command in Plateau said it arrested eight suspects over killings in the state.

On February 14, troops of operation Safe Haven (OPSH) uncovered an illegal weapon manufacturing factory in the Pakachi community in Mangu LGA of Plateau state.

On April 18, gunmen killed at least 12 people in the Tilengpat community of Pushit district in Mangu LGA.

On May 21, gunmen attacked Zurak village in Wase LGA of Plateau state and killed more than 40 people, including vigilantes.