Fulani and community leaders from Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas of Plateau State have finally been arrested by Plateau State Police Command and taken to Abuja for further interrogation as a result of the crisis that took place in parts of Bokkos local government area of the state.
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State had ordered the State Commissioner of Police, Isaac Akinmoyede to arrest the Fulani and community leaders of the affected communities following the killings and destruction of properties around Kwatas and nearby communities of Bokkos local government area.
It is understood that a slight disagreement had stalled the arrest earlier on Tuesday when only the “Fulani Ardos” stood up for the arrest, claiming that the governor’s instructions were not directed at them.
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Mr Isaac Akinmoyede had ordered the leaders to reconvene at the Police headquarters the following day. On their arrival, they were asked to make personal statements after which some of them were released.
About 4:00 am on Thursday, it was reported that the Ardos from Riyam, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu, as well as the chairmen of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Nigeria and some community and youth leaders, were arrested, transferred into vehicles and taken to the Criminal Investigations Department, CID, at the Police headquarters in Abuja.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ubah Gabriel confirmed the development and said, “For every Ardo that was moved to Abuja, an equivalent of the community leader from that area was equally picked and taken to Abuja
Recall that Plateau State has witnessed numerous attacks by the Fulani herders during which over 15 people were killed, building burnt and cattles stolen.
