PLATEAU BLOODBATH: Police arrests 17 suspects

No less than 17 suspects have been arrested in connection with the bloody attacks by suspected herdsmen on 11 villages in Plateau State which left no less than 86 victims dead and scores injured.

Reports say the suspects were arrested by men of the Special Military Task Force, code-named Operation Safe Haven.

This is coming soon after the Nigerian Army also announces that it had arrested three suspects in connection to the mayhem that was wrought on about three Local government areas of the state.

According to Umar Adams, the spokesperson for the OPSH, three of the suspects were arrested in connection with the attacks, while 14 others were nabbed for allegedly blocking federal highways to protest the killings by herdsmen in the state.

The spokesperson said; “These suspects we are parading here were arrested in connection with the last Saturday’s attacks in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The suspects are in two categories: three of the suspects, Yahuza, Friday and Ahmed, were in connection with the attacks in Barkin Ladi. The other 14 suspects were arrested from the scene of protest and blockage of federal highways to protest the attacks in Barkin Ladi.

“It was in the course of repelling the attackers by our men that these three suspects were arrested. When they saw our men coming after them, they threw away their guns and ran into the bush. But our men went after them and threatened to shoot them if they did not surrender, that was how the three of them were arrested.

Read also: BAYELSA: 3 soldiers, 1 pirate killed in fierce gun battle

“There was a civil disturbance that followed on June 24, 2018, around Maraba Jamaa, Angludi and Bukuru. Our men also stormed there to clear the roadblocks mounted by the protesters and these suspects participating in the civil disturbances were also arrested.”

Reports say the Sunday morning attack by the suspected Fulani militia in the Gashish District of the state also saw the burning of 50 houses.

Spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Matthias Tyopev, an Assistant Superintendent of Police gave a breakdown of those who lost their lives.

Tyopev said; “Sequel to the attack in the Gashish District of Barkin Ladi LGA yesterday (Saturday) June 23, 2018, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Jos, Undie Adie, after deploying more personnel in the district sent a search and rescue team from the Command headquarters today (Sunday) for an on-the-spot assessment.

“The team headed by ACP Edeh John of the Department of Operations had also the DPO of the Barkin Ladi Division and a Unit Commander from Mopol 38. After a careful search of the villages attacked in the District, the following were discovered: 86 persons altogether were killed, six people injured, 50 houses burnt, 15 motorcycles and two motor vehicles also burnt.

“The team also carried out a detailed deployment. Corpses were released to the families for burial. The command earlier in the day confirmed only 11 people dead as the result of the attacks due to the information at its disposal before the arrival of the search and rescue team from the Barkin Ladi LGA. This is to update members of the public of the situation as regards the attacks in the Gashish District as promised earlier on.”

 

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