Police: Eight more suspects arrested over Christmas Eve attacks in Plateau

The Plateau police command says eight more suspects have been arrested over the Christmas Eve attacks on Plateau communities.

Alfred Alabo, police spokesperson in the Plateau, spoke on Thursday during a press briefing in Jos, the state capital.

Over 100 residents were reportedly killed in many Plateau communities on December 24.

Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau have been experiencing attacks by gunmen who killed and rendered many residents homeless.

On January 5, the police said eight suspects were arrested in connection with the killings.

At the Thursday’s briefing, Alabo told journalists that 17 suspects were arrested,  noting that eight among them were apprehended in connection with the Christmas Eve attacks.

He added that the remaining nine were those suspected to be linked to the recent violence in the state.

“The command is grateful to inform you that the situation in Mangu and environs as at today, is under control,” NAN quoted the police spokesperson as saying.

”So far, 17 suspects have been arrested, eight from the Dec. 24 attack and the nine suspects arrested in connection with the Jan. 24 attacks.

“Exhibits recovered from them include dangerous weapons, such as machetes, kegs containing petrol, and other items,” he said.

The police spokesperson said security operatives have been deployed to the affected areas, adding that the suspects would be charged to court after investigation is completed.