Police arrest mastermind of Benue attacks in Nasarawa

The Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) has arrested the mastermind behind recent deadly attacks by herdsmen in Benue State that has led to the death of at least 73 people.

According to a report by Vanguard, a senior police source attached to the unit said that the ringleader, identified as Alhaji Laggi, was arrested in Tunga town, Nasarawa State.

The 40-year-old was arrested with three other gang members, Mumini Abdullahi, Muhammed Adamu, and Ibrahim Sule.

The suspects have reportedly confessed to being behind the killings and that of a few police officers since the crisis started in January 2018.

The source said, "In line with the directives of the Inspector General, Ibrahim Idris, on the arrest of all persons involved in the killings in Benue State and those in possession of AK-47 rifles and other prohibited arms, four principal suspects were arrested in Tunga town, Nasarawa State, between February 16 and 19 by IRT in connection with the killing of Sergeant Solomon Dung and other Police officers and many innocent citizens in Benue State.

"They are Alhaji Laggi, 40, mastermind and gang leader of the herdsmen group; Mallam Mumini Abdullahi, 34; Muhammed Adamu, 30, and Ibrahim Sule, 32.

"They have confessed to the killings and mentioned other gang members in possession of the Police rifles they took from the slain officers as well as others in possession of arms.

"Security agents have commenced follow-up operations in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states.

"The DIG Operations, who is heading the operations, has spoken more on behalf of the Inspector General of Police on the investigation."

24 suspects arrested

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, had previously reported on February 1 that 24 suspects have been arrested in connection to the several violent attacks.

He said, "A total number of 24 suspects that have been arrested in connection with some of these cases which bordered on culpable homicide, grievous hurt, and mischief by fire, the total number is 24. The number that have been arraigned in court are 19 while five of the cases are still being investigated and pending conclusion to be charged to court."

Benue attacks

In attacks allegedly carried out by Fulani herdsmen in Guma and Logo Local Government Area of Benue between Sunday, December 31, 2017, and Tuesday, January 2, 2018, 50 people were reportedly killed.

11 other people were killed in a fresh attack on Tombu village of Logo LGA, again by suspected Fulani herdsmen, on Saturday, January 6.

The bodies of 73 men, women and children were buried at a mass burial ceremony organised by the state government on January 11.