Security operatives attached to the Plateau State Command of the Nigeria Police have arrested eight suspects in connection with the attacks in communities of Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi, and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
No fewer than 200 persons were massacred on Christmas Eve, an incident that sparked nationwide outrage, including a call for investigation by the United Nations.
The police spokesperson in the state Alfred Alabo confirmed arrests on Thursday, explaining that the suspects were arrested at various locations.
In the wake of the development, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun had deployed officers to the North-Central State.
“Concerning the Inspector-General of Police’s deployment, we have been getting tremendous success from that process,” the Plateau police spokesman said.
“It would also interest you to know that seven persons, in fact as of the last count, there are now eight of them under investigation in our custody and they have been moved to the state CID where the AIG Zone 4 and the commissioner of police are overseeing the affairs of the operation and also the investigation.”
The Christmas Eve attack attracted condemnation locally and globally. President Bola Tinubu had ordered a probe into the incidents. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also called for “united efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for these heinous acts”.
Vice President Kashim Shettima paid the people of North-Central State a visit to express his sympathies.
"Resist the temptation to succumb to sectional divisions or the poisonous rhetoric of hatred towards your fellow citizens, as we pursue justice to ensure your security," Shettima urged the locals during the visit.
Bandit groups who operate from bases deep in forests and raid villages to plunder and kidnap citizens for ransom have long terrorised North-West and Central Nigeria.
