From Yakubu Busari,Jos
AIG Eyibio
The Assistant Inspector General ,AIG, of Police Zone 4, Ebong Eyibio has confirmed that over 10 corpses have been recovered from various locations, two injured persons currently receiving treatment at the hospital, identified one car and 10 houses burnt down as he paraded 8 suspects in connection with the 24th December, 2023 attack in Mangu Local Government Christmas celebration, on Thursday.
The AIG added that at least no fewer than 17 suspected persons are connected in the webs of attacks leading to the dead of many people in Mangu,Bokkos , Barkin-Ladi,and Riyom LGAs killings .
Over 100 persons died in the Christmas Eve attack
Eyibio described the unfortunate killings of innocent citizens in Plateau state as barbaric .
According to him,”the Plateau State Police Command has successfully repelled an attack on villages in Mangu LGA of the State.
Describing police action on the attack, Ebong said that on December 24, 2023 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.
Suspects
“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 A IG explained.
Ebong disclosed that the Command is grateful to inform the general public that the “situation as at today, is brought under control and so far, Nine (9) suspects have been arrested.
However, he stated that exhibits recovered from them include dangerous weapons, such as machetes, kegs containing Petrol, and other items.
Ebong maintained that the area remains highly secured by security forces and strict compliance to the curfew is being complied with.
Ebong Eyibio, said ,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 on l the 24th day of January, 2024 to deliberate and chart a way forward to put a stop to the menace.
He said, “We call 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.
“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.
He said the Command under his 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.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Miyyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria ,Alh .Nura Muhammad said that they have no casualty because the incident happened within Mangu market and he was not willing to comment .
One Musa was said to have been killed and the Muslim community in Mangu confirmed that his corpse had been buried according to Islamic rite .
The Christian community in Mangu accusing the military personnel of aiding Muslims community against them in burning their houses.
Acting Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tulur Gusau, gave the warning on Thursday, in response to videos on Social media and claims of alleged bias by troops involved in restoring peace in Mangu.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a malicious video made by the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mangu Chapter, Reverend Timothy Daluk.
“The video has been circulating in the media, aiming to malign military personnel deployed to address the security challenges in the Mangu general area.
