…Says Suspects Arrested As Deputy Governor Begs Him To Revive Abandoned Gashish Barracks
By Juliana Francis
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Wednesday visited Plateau State over the fresh wave of killings in Mangu and other communities, telling grieving residents that the police have made arrests and will tighten security around vulnerable communities.
Disu, who was in Jos on a condolence visit to the state government, said the Force leadership was disturbed by the bloodshed and had already moved to restore confidence through intelligence-led operations and community partnership.
“I am on the Plateau to discuss issues bothering on the killings in Mangu and other parts of the state. We are not happy with the situation, and I can assure you we have made some arrests,” the IGP said.
He said he had gone round the affected areas and met with stakeholders to understand the gaps and chart a lasting solution, noting that isolated security actions would not end the killings.
“Having gone round and engaged with stakeholders to have lasting solutions to the problem, I can assure you people have hope and confidence in the police, and we will continue working together in synergy and collaboration for a secure environment,” Disu stated.
According to him, the police are now intensifying intelligence gathering and community engagement to pick up early warning signs and protect villages before attacks happen.
He appealed to residents to trust the police with credible and timely information.
“Building trust between security personnel and communities is important, and I urge residents to provide credible and timely information to enable security agencies to prevent attacks and apprehend criminals,” he added.
Receiving the IGP on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo thanked Disu for showing up in person at a time of mourning, saying it showed commitment to the protection of lives and property.
She commended the deployment of a new Commissioner of Police to the state but said Plateau needs more than deployment of men.
Piyo called for robust intelligence, deeper community engagement and a faster response system, and made a direct appeal for the activation of the Mobile Police Barracks in Gashish, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
She said the barracks, built to strengthen security response in that volatile axis, has been left moribund since it was established.
“The facility has remained moribund since its establishment. Putting the facility to full operational use would strengthen police presence and improve response capabilities in communities within the axis,” she said.
The deputy governor also pleaded with residents not to take laws into their hands.
“Residents should avoid reprisals that could further escalate tensions in affected communities,” Piyo warned, urging them to support security agencies instead.
Disu’s visit ended on a note of renewed assurance that the police will work with the state government, sister security agencies, traditional rulers and local communities to stop the killings.
However, details of the suspects arrested and when officers will be deployed to the Gashish barracks were not disclosed.
