Plateau attack: We have recovered over 10 corpses so far – Police

On Thursday, the Police in Plateau State revealed the recovery of over 10 corpses following the brutal attack on communities in the Mangu area.

Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Ebong Eyibio, AIG Zone 4, at a news conference on Thursday said the Plateau State Police Command had also successfully repelled an attack on villages in Mangu LGA of the State.

He said on Wednesday, at about 10.00pm, the police 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,” he said.

Eyibo stated that the Command has arrested nine suspects in connection with the attack, disclosing that exhibits recovered from them included 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,” he added.

He said the Command under his leadership and supervision would bear zero tolerance to any act of criminality, and would continue to intensify its efforts towards restoring peace, public confidence and normalcy within the State.

He disclosed that eight suspects from the December 24th 2023 attack and the nine suspects arrested in connection with the recent attacks in the state had been paraded.

“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,” he said.