Police arrest suspects in deadly Bokkos and Mangu attacks

Police arrested 17 suspects. The Christmas Eve attacks in Bokkos, Barikin Ladi and Mangu local government areas of Plateau State killed dozens of people.

Police also said 10 bodies have been recovered from various locations following the attacks, while two injured victims are still in hospital. The killers also burned a car and ten houses in Mangu.

Parading the suspects at the state police command headquarters, the state police spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, who represented the Deputy Inspector General of Police Zone 4, Ebony Eyibio, said nine of the suspects were arrested in connection to the Mangu violence, while eight were arrested in connection with the Bokkos and Barikin Ladi attacks.

He said that at around 10pm on January 24, police received information about a planned attack on Ntam community and ASTC company, both in Mangu LGA.

“Our team of agile police officers from the IGP Special Intervention Squad stationed at the ASTC along with Area Commander Pankshin and the DPO swung into action and foiled the attempted attack.

“In a separate incident, an attempt by some criminal arsonists in Panyam district to set fire to some worship centers was prevented by the quick intervention of the police and with the help of some community elders,” he added.

He said more officers had been deployed to ensure law and order at the Mangu headquarters.

“To further strengthen the existing security architecture in Mangu LGA and ensure compliance with the curfew imposed by the government and prevent further escalation of the incidence which is almost turning into an ethno-religious crisis, I have ordered the deployment of additional Special Intervention personnel for Mangu LGA will be commended by the area commander, Pankshin, and restore normalcy in that area,” Alfred said, quoting Eyibio.

“The Command is grateful to inform you that the situation, as of today, is under control and so far nine (9) suspects have been arrested. The exhibits recovered from them include dangerous weapons such as machetes, barrels containing gasoline and other items. The area remains highly monitored by security forces and curfew is strictly observed.

A Plateau State Government delegation led by the governor’s security advisors, heads of other security agencies and leaders of the Christian and Muslim communities gathered at the Mangu Municipality Stadium and Miskam Mwaghavul Palace in Mangu yesterday, 24th day of January 2024 to deliberate and chart a path forward to end the threat.

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“We called on the leaders of both religions to call their followers to order and ensure full compliance with the curfew imposed by the government. Both parties have promised to deliver for the sake of peace in their communities.

“On behalf of the officers and men of the Plateau State Police Command, I would like to take this moment to commemorate the government and the good people of Mangu LGA for the loss of lives and property as a result of these attacks.

“I also wish to make it clear that the Command under my leadership and supervision will have zero tolerance for any act of criminality and will continue to intensify its efforts to restore peace, public trust and normalcy within the state,” he added.