The Plateau State Police Command has officially confirmed the arrest of individuals connected to the Christmas attacks in Barkin Ladi and Bokkos local government areas.
These attacks resulted in the deaths of over 200 people and the displacement of thousands.
Although the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the arrests in Jos, he did not disclose the exact number of suspects detained.
Reports, however, suggest that at least seven individuals have been taken into police custody.
It may be recalled that over the Christmas holiday, at least 140 Nigerian Christians were killed in attacks on 26 villages in the state.
The attacks began on Saturday, December 23, and were led by suspected extremists among Fulani herders against Christian farming communities. Some reports indicate nearly 200 dead, with many missing as residents fled from gunmen into the bush.
The command’s spokesman, Alfred Alabo disclosed this in a statement signed by the state Commissioner of Police, Okoro Alawari.
The attacks, carried out by assailants in 15 communities of Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, also resulted in the burning of eight vehicles.
The Commissioner of Police expressed grief over the attacks and sympathized with the families of the victims.
A directive was passed to the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to relocate to Bokkos LGA and deploy a team of operational forces to prevent further attacks and assess the damages.
The assessment revealed that 12 villages were attacked in Bokkos LGA, with 221 houses set ablaze, 27 motorcycles burnt, eight motor vehicles destroyed, and over 79 persons killed. Additionally, 17 deaths were recorded in Barkin-Ladi LGA.
Investigations and monitoring of the incidents are ongoing.
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