Troops arrest 12 suspects over killing of herdsmen Plateau

In connection with the alleged murder of a herdsman in Plateau, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) troops detained 12 individuals, however nine were later freed.

At a gathering of stakeholders from the Mangu Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday in Jos, OPSH Commander Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar stated that the murder was merely criminality.

On September 23, the herdsman Ardo Adamu Gabdo was allegedly murdered in Panyam Community of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau by unidentified criminals.

Abubakar, who also serves as the general officer commanding the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, promised that OPSH would take all necessary steps to find those responsible for the terrible conduct.

“After a series of investigations, we have released nine of the suspects and three are still with us.

“The three are really cooperating with us and are providing useful information that is leading us to the real culprits.

“I assure Plateau people that anyone involved in this criminal act will be arrested,’’ he said.

Rumours that soldiers were torturing the suspects were refuted by Abubakar, who also stated that such unprofessional behaviour was not tolerated in his command.

The commander also claimed that OPSH forces had made significant progress against Plateau insecurity.

“We have, to a large extent, addressed cattle rustling and armed robbery; just on Monday, we arrested seven armed robbery suspects.

“We will continue to do our best to stamp out all forms of criminality in Plateau and its environs,’’ he said.

Abubakar made a plea to community and religious leaders to assist the military and other security forces in their efforts to establish long-lasting peace throughout the Plateau.

Source