The Plateau State Police have announced the arrest of eight suspects in connection with the attacks and killings that claimed the lives of around 200 people during the Christmas period in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of the state in North Central Nigeria.
Suspected gunmen, believed to be herdsmen, targeted approximately 17 communities in the two local government areas on Christmas Eve, resulting in numerous casualties, injuries, and the destruction of several houses.
The Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, confirmed the arrests, stating that the apprehension of the eight suspects followed a tip-off from members of the affected communities. Alabo disclosed that the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
“Some people have been arrested and they are in custody undergoing interrogation. As of the last count, they were eight in number. But at the moment, the affected communities and villages are relatively calm, and our men are on the ground to ensure that the peace that has been restored is maintained,” Alabo remarked.
On Monday, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, announced that the Nigerian military had also apprehended suspects believed to be responsible for the Christmas Eve massacre in the two local government areas.
Gen. Musa mentioned the military’s collaboration with state governments to reclaim communities captured by terrorists across the country, emphasizing the goal of ensuring bandits hold no territory.
“We are working with the state governments to identify these areas; this year, God-willing, we will make sure bandits hold no community,”
Gen. Musa stated during a Channels TV programme. He added that the recovery of communities would lead to a significant reduction in internally displaced camps, allowing people to return to their homes.
In a separate incident, gunmen suspected to be terrorists reportedly invaded Shere village in the Jos East Local Government Area of the state last Sunday.
At least two villagers were killed, and one attacker was reported to have been killed by a resident who engaged the assailants armed with AK-47 rifles and heavy weapons, as reported by SaharaReporters.