3rd October, 2023
By Polycarp Auta
Three suspects are in custody of troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) over the alleged murder of Fulani leader, Ardo Adamu Gabdo in Panyam Community of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Ardo Gabdo was murdered by yet-to-be-identified gunmen on Sept. 23.
Giving an update on the investigation of the murder of the Fulani leader during a meeting of stakeholders from Mangu Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday in Jos, OPSH Commander, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, said 12 suspects have been arrested and quizzed over the incident.
He however said after a series of investigations, nine of the suspects were released while three are still in custody.
Abubakar, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army said the three detainees are providing useful information that is leading to the real culprits.
He assured that OPSH would do everything possible to track down all perpetrators of the heinous act.
“I assure Plateau people that anyone involved in this criminal act will be arrested,’’ he said.
Abubakar debunked rumours that troops tortured the suspects and insisted that such act of unprofessionalism was not condoned in his command.
The commander also asserted that the troops of OPSH had achieved a lot in tackling insecurity in Plateau.
“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 appealed to religious and community leaders to support the military and other security agencies in the efforts to ensure lasting peace in all parts of Plateau.
Religious and community leaders, leaders of tribal groups and associations and representatives of youth groups attended the stakeholders meeting.
(NAN)
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