Plateau Police Give Update On Mangu Attacks, Arrest 9 Suspects (photos)

AIG ZONE 4, AIG EBONG EYIBIO, psc (+), mni PRESS BRIEFING ON PLATEAU ATTACKS HELD ON 25TH JANUARY, 2024 HELD AT THE PLATEAU STATE COMMAND HEADQUARTERS, JOS.

Good morning Gentlemen of the press, I have called you this morning to brief you on the unfortunate killings of innocent citizens on the plateau.

The Plateau State Police Command has successfully repelled an attack on villages in Mangu LGA of the State.

On 24/01/24 at about 2200hrs, we received intelligence concerning an attack which was targeted on the Ntam community and the ASTC Company, both of Mangu LGA. Our team of agile Police officers from the IGP Special Intervention Squad stationed at the ASTC in conjunction with the Area Commander Pankshin and the DPO swung into action and thwarted the attempted attack.

In a separate incident, an attempt by some criminal arsonists in Panyam District to set fire on some worship centers was prevented by swift intervention from the police and with help from some elders of the Community.

Also in another development, 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 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.

The Command is grateful to inform you that the situation as at today, is under control and so far, Nine (9) suspects have been arrested. Exhibits recovered from them include dangerous weapons, such as machetes, kegs containing Petrol, and other items. The area remains highly secured by security forces and strict compliance to the curfew is being complied with.

In another development, a delegation from the Plateau State Government led by the Security Adviser to the Governor, heads of other security agencies, and leaders from both the Christian and Muslim communities, gathered at the Mangu Township Stadium and the Miskam Mwaghavul Palace in Mangu yesterday, the 24th day of January, 2024 to deliberate and chart a way forward to put a stop to the menace. We called on the leadership of both faiths to call their followers to order and ensure total compliance with the government-imposed curfew. Both parties have promised to comply in the interest of peace in their communities. So far, over 10 corpses have been recovered from various locations, two injured persons currently receiving treatment at the hospital, one car and Ten houses were burnt down.

On behalf of the officers and men of Plateau State Police Command, I want to take this moment to commemorate with the government and good people of Mangu LGA over the loss of lives and properties as a result of these attacks.

I also wish to make it clear that the Command under my leadership and supervision will bear zero tolerance to any act of criminality, and will continue to intensify its efforts towards restoring peace, public confidence and normalcy within the State.

Before you are the eight ( suspects from the December 24th 2023 attack and the nine (9) suspects arrested in connection with the recent attacks in the state.

To this end, we urge the public to remain calm and cooperate with the security agencies as we are working tirelessly to maintain peace and order in the region.