3 more arrested over Plateau killings

With this development, the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the recent attacks on Plateau communities, which left several persons dead is 5.

The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended three additional suspects in connection with the recent killings in Plateau State.

This development follows a series of coordinated operations targeting criminal conspiracy, arms trafficking, and the unlawful possession of firearms linked to earlier violent incidents in the region.

According to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, one Abubakar Jibrin from Kalone Community, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State, was arrested on 3 May at approximately 4:30 p.m. during an intelligence-led operation.

Jibrin was found to be in unlawful possession of prohibited firearms. His confession led to the recovery of a submachine gun (SMG) rifle with an empty magazine at his residence.

The statement further disclosed that on 4 May, in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, police operatives recovered two fabricated revolver rifles. These were linked to ammunition traced back to a suspect identified as Ismail Danjuma, who is currently in custody and cooperating with ongoing investigations into the killings in Plateau.

Amid rising tensions, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Polycarp Lubo, along with other Christian leaders, led peaceful protests demanding an end to the persistent killings and abductions across the state.

In response, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang announced new security measures aimed at curbing the attacks. These include a restriction on night grazing after 7 p.m., a ban on the transportation of cattle by vehicle, and a curfew on motorcycle usage from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. across the state.

Meanwhile, the national President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has called on Nigerians to support ongoing peace initiatives and refrain from actions that could jeopardise efforts to resolve the country’s security challenges, particularly in the Middle Belt region.