The Plateau State Police Command has said its operatives have arrested 12 suspects and recovered 12 motorcycles, in connection with the Sunday evening attack at Pinau village, Mavo Chiefdom of Wase Local Government Area of the state.

The command in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Gabriel Ubah said: “On 12/12/2021 at about 1630 hours, we received a distress call that yet to be identified gunmen invaded Pinau village.

Unfortunately, they killed nine persons while four persons were injured. Upon receipt of the report, a combined team of Policemen, STF and other sister agencies were mobilized and swiftly raced to the scene where eight suspects were arrested and 12 motorcycles were recovered. Investigation is ongoing, frantic effort is on to arrest other fleeing suspects. Meanwhile Security has been beefed up in the area to prevent escalation of violence.”

Reacting to the arrest, Governor Solomon Lalong in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Makut Macham, commended security forces for their “swift response and immediately going after the attackers and combing their hideouts, leading to the arrest of some suspects.”

While urging them to carry out a thorough investigation to unravel those behind the attacks and the motives, he warned that “the Plateau State Government will not allow criminal elements to hibernate in any part of the state with a view to terrorizing innocent citizens.”

He commiserated with victims of the attack and further directed the State Emergency Management Agency as well as the Local Government authorities to visit the area and provide assistance to survivors and families of those killed.

Meanwhile the Governor has advised the citizens of Plateau State to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the security agencies especially during the yuletide season to ensure that there is no breach of peace and assured that “the Government is working with security agencies to ensure adequate deployment of personnel and robust response to any eventuality.”