Troops arrest eight suspects over ‘killing’ of seminarian in Kaduna

Troops of the special military taskforce, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have arrested eight suspects over the alleged killing of Na’aman Stephen, a Catholic seminarian, in Zagon Kataf LGA of Kaduna.

Speaking with journalists on Friday, James Oya, the media officer of OPSH, said the suspects were also involved in operating a gun manufacturing factory in the state.

The gunmen attacked the Catholic priest at his residence in Fadan-Kamatan and burnt him to death after failing to abduct the remaining two priests in the parish.

Oya said some of the suspects were found to have hands in the killing of one Dorathy Jonathan of Afana community in Zangon Kataf, after a failed attempt to defile her.

“Among these suspects are those in connection with the murder of Mrs Dorathy Jonathan on Sept. 1 at Afana Village in Zango Kataf,” NAN quoted Oya as saying.

“Also, these suspects involved in the attack and burning of St Raphael’s Catholic Church Fadan Kamatan on Sept. 7, are also here.

”Recall that the attack led to death of Na’aman Stephen, a seminarian serving at the parish.

“The  swift response of our troops rescued Rev. Frs. Emmanuel Okolo and Noah Monday, the parish priest and his assistant.

“On the whole, we have eight suspects in our custody who are arrested for committing the above crimes and also running a gun manufacturing factory in the area.”

The OPSH media officer said 31 weapons of various categories were recovered from the suspects.

“These weapons include three AK-47 rifles,10 locally fabricated pistols, five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, nine revolvers, three locally fabricated submachine guns, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and machine tools,” he added.

“Other items recovered include one pistol holster, one military camel pouch, one police combat helmet, two masks, five identity cards, gunpowder, charms, amulets, among others.”

He commended residents of the community for supporting the troops and other security agencies in eliminating criminals in the state.