As subdued anger flares from time to time in Plateau State over the alleged reprisal attacks by Fulani militia, the Police says it has arrested three suspects who are members of a gunrunning syndicate in connection with the Christmas Eve attack on some villages in Plateau State.
Nearly 240 were massacred when men believed to be militia stormed more than 12 villages in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu local government areas on Christmas eve.
There have been suggestions that the attacks took place to avenge the past killings of a Fulani chief, Ardo, and the imam of a mosque early last year, as well as other killings of the migrant people who have overrun and taken over 68 villages of indigenous peoples on the Plateau.
in a fit of anger last week, women burnt the palace of a district head on the Plateau.
The Police said the three arrested men are currently in police custody and assisting with investigation.
“The suspects are (1) Ahmed Sulaimon (2) Balikisu Aliyu (3) Aboki Samuel. Upon their arrest, 1 AK-47 rifle, 1 AK-49 rifle, 1000 rounds of live ammunition and 5 magazines were recovered from them.”
But there are those who question the police claims wondering if the recovered arms and ammunition are anywhere near what was unleashed on the state, which some commentators claim are either buried in the forests or hidden elsewhere.
There have been talks of many locals and foreigners coming into the State and using stockpiled arms on ground, but security forces have not openly corroborated these stories.
To show it is combating crimes, the says its Intelligence Department Tactical Team- DFI-IRT and DFI-STS have successfully arrested 67 suspects for various crimes ranging from kidnapping, gunrunning, one-chance, armed robbery, banditry across the country.
It says it has recovered 5,454 rounds of live ammunitions of different calibre, 300 live cartridges, 50 empty shells of ammunition, 68 rifles, and 33 different ATM cards amongst others.
“Also, four suspects were arrested in connection with the bank robbery at Otukpo where Nine (9) AK-47 rifles were recovered from the said suspects while five (5) suspects fell to the superior fire power of Police operatives during a fierce gun duel at their hideout in Taraku village, Buruku LGA of Benue State. They all confessed to committing the heinous act and linked other gang members who are at large and have also named Terzungwe Shionda a.k.a ‘3-star general’ (now late), Terlumum Pila and one Ayuko both at large, to be the ones supplying them arms on loan for their operations, “ACP Olumuyiws Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, said.
Recall that last the Christian community on the Plateau State had a solemn peace walk to Plateau State Government House, Little Rayfield Jos, to mourn the tragic loss of hundreds of lives during the Christmas Eve attacks in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.
Led by Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, President of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and in collaboration with Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the community presented their “10-point demand for peace” to Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
Rev. Panya expressed gratitude for proactive measures taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang while emphasising the need for more concerted efforts to address persistent attacks on Christians in Plateau State.
Highlighting the 22 years of unchecked violence resulting in thousands of deaths without proper prosecution, Rev. Panya called for urgent intervention, including the provision of emergency relief to the victims.
He acknowledged President Tinubu’s directive to relevant federal agencies for assistance and commended Governor Mutfwang’s efforts in condemning the attacks and providing aid to displaced survivors. He demanded an end to the ongoing attacks and killings, seeking immediate justice for the affected communities.
Rev. Panya urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to officially designate the armed terrorist militias behind the killings as terrorists. He called for enhanced security measures for the 15,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bokkos and the reconstruction of destroyed communities.
Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude for the support and assured prompt delivery of the petition to President Tinubu. He acknowledged Tinubu’s commitment to ending the cycle of violence and emphasised the determination to secure the land, promising that the bloodshed would not be in vain.
Prominent church leaders, including CAN Chairman Plateau State, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, Catholic Archbishop of Jos, His Grace Mathew Ishaya Audu, Methodist Bishop, Her Lordship, Nkechi Nwosu, COCIN President represented by Rev. Prof. Pokol, PFN Chairman, Rev. Dunka Gomwalk, OAIC- Apostle M. Ewurum, Rev. Stephen Dangana and Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam joined the peace walk, demonstrating unity and collective concern for the plight of the affected communities.