The Plateau State Police Command said Wednesday it had arrested five people suspected of involvement in the attack launched Tuesday morning in two Mangu Local Government villages.
Police said they recovered an AK 47 rifle, a revolver pistol and cartridges.
Although police have yet to give the number of people who lost their lives, residents told reporters that more than 30 people died in the incident.
In statements by the spokesman for the police command, Alabo Alfred, the arrested suspects are in the custody of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a joint security unit of soldiers and police personnel.
“In the course of fighting with the attackers, a Cpl. Abdullahi Umar 07NA attached to sector 8 STF sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving treatment at STF headquarters, Jos. Two Hilux vans belonging to NSCDC were invaded and vandalized by the attackers.
“A strong security presence has been deployed in the area to prevent any further breach of law and order,” the statement read.
“So far calm has been restored in the general Mangu Local Government area, while monitoring continues.
“Plateau State Police Commissioner Bartholomew N. Onyeka assures the good people of Plateau State that the Command under his supervision will continue to do everything within its constitutional power to ensure the safety of life and property. property of all citizens of the Plateau State. Further developments regarding the incident will be communicated in due course,” the police added.
Governor of Plateau State, simon lalongordered security agencies on Tuesday to arrest the perpetrators of the overnight attack on Kubat village in Mangu local government, where many, including women and children, were reportedly killed.
Lalong, in a statement signed by his director of press and public affairs, Makut Simon, said he was seriously disturbed by the tragic incident.
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Lalong describes this as yet another attempt by crisis merchants and criminals to return the state to the dark days of pain and agony, vowing that the government will stop at nothing to ensure that those behind this scheme are dealt with without piety.
“By condemning the act, the Governor sympathizes with the victims and ensures that the murderers will not be left unpunished, since it is an act that cannot be tolerated or excused, whatever the motivation.
“The Governor has also directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Peacebuilding Agency to visit the area and determine the humanitarian need to provide relief to those affected while a thorough investigation is carried out,” it added.