Photo Credit: The Cable

In response to the recent surge in violent attacks, the Plateau State police command has successfully apprehended nine suspects. The arrests follow a tragic incident on Monday, where at least eight lives were lost during a violent outbreak in Mangu town, Mangu Local Government Area (LGA).

The clashes not only claimed lives but also left a trail of destruction, with numerous houses reduced to rubble. The police are actively investigating the motives behind these attacks as they work towards restoring peace in the affected region.

On Tuesday, the Plateau state government declared a 24-hour curfew in Mangu LGA.

There have been recurring attacks in communities under LGA, leading to loss of lives and properties.

Recently, some residents set a number of houses on fire in Mangu town in protest against the deteriorating security situation in the area.

Speaking during a press briefing in Jos, the capital of Plateau, on Thursday, Ebong Eyibio, assistant inspector-general of police (AIG) in charge of zone 4, said operatives repelled attacks which were targeted at Ntam community and the ASTC company in Mangu LGA.

Eyibio said the police also thwarted the attacks targeted at places of worship in Panyam district.

The AIG said dangerous weapons, such as machetes, kegs containing petrol, and other items, were recovered from the nine suspects.

“Nine suspects have been arrested. Exhibits recovered from them include dangerous weapons, such as machetes, kegs containing Petrol, and other items,” Eyibio said.

“The area remains highly secured by security forces and strict compliance to the curfew is being complied with.

“To prevent further escalation of the incident which is almost snowboarding into an ethno-religious crisis, I have ordered the deployment of additional special intervention personnel to Mangu LGA to be commended by the area commander, Pankshin, and restore normalcy in that area.”

He added that security operatives and a delegation from Plateau government met leaders of the Muslim and Christian communities in Mangu LGA to deliberate on ways to resolve the crisis.

Credit: The Cable