Communal Clash: Police Arrest Gang Leader

Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abayomi Akeremale, on Sunday confirmed the arrest of one Benjamin Jato, gang leader of a terror group in the state.

Jato was alleged to have unleashed terror on Koro people at Agyaragu in Jenkwe Development Area of the state.

Akeremale, who confirmed this in Lafia on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said 12 other members of the gang had been arrested by the police.

The Commissioner of Police said all the suspects had been detained at the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID), while efforts were on to fish out other perpetrators of the dastardly act.

NAN reports that no fewer than nine persons were killed and more than 70 houses burnt during the unfortunate clash between the two tribes in Agyaragu last Wednesday.

Akeremale said police were still investigating the rationale behind the killings of innocent souls by some undesirable elements.

The police chief gave assurance that anybody found to have sponsored or masterminded the massacre, no matter how highly placed in the society, would face the full wrath of the law.

The Commissioner of Police said Jato was arrested in his hide-out following a tip-off, adding that AK47 riffle with 28 rounds of ammunition and charms were found on him.

He said that no matter how perfect criminals might be the long arm of the law would definitely catch up with them.

He appreciated the assistance and cooperation of the people to the command so far, and urged them not to relent as security of lives and property was a joint responsibility of the people and the government.

Akeremale, however, promised that the police “ will do everything humanly possible to see that law-abiding citizens go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation.”