Twelve Persons Arrested Over Plateau Killings

Twelve persons in connection to the attack on Pinau village, Mavo Chiefdom of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau state have been arrested.

A statement by its Police Public Relations Officer, Gabriel Ubah, explained that it has recovered 12 motorcycles in connection with the Sunday evening attack, saying, “On 12/12/2021 at about 1630 hours, we received a distress call that yet to be identified gunmen invaded Pinau village.”

The statement further explained that nine persons were killed and four others were injured, stressing that upon receipt of the report, a combined team of policemen, STF and other sister agencies were mobilized and swiftly raced to the scene where eight suspects were arrested and 12 motorcycles were recovered.

The PPRO stated that the investigation is ongoing, adding that frantic effort is on to arrest other fleeing suspects while security has been beefed up in the area to prevent escalation of violence.

Governor Solomon Lalong, while reacting in a statement by Makut Macham, his Director of Press and Public Affairs, hailed the security forces for their swift response and immediately going after the attackers and combing their hideouts, leading to the arrest of some suspects.

He urged them to carry out a thorough investigation to unravel those behind the attacks and the motives, warning that the Plateau State Government would not allow criminal elements to hibernate in any part of the state with a view to terrorizing innocent citizens.

He commiserated with victims of the attack while directing the State Emergency Management Agency as well as the local government authorities to visit the area and provide assistance to survivors and families of those killed.

Lalong has appealed to the citizens of the state to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the security agencies especially during the yuletide season to ensure that there is no breach of peace.

He assured that the government is working with security agencies to ensure adequate deployment of personnel and robust response to any eventuality.