From Jude Dangwam, Jos

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has expressed excitement over the unconditional released of Rev. Polycarb Zongo of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Wild Life Park, Jos who was abducted by insurgents October last year. 

He described the release of the Clergyman and other abductees as an answere to the prayers of the Church and other people of goodwill, an indication that God does not abandon his people even at difficult moments.

Lalong in a press statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affiars Dr.

The Governor commended all those who played various roles in facilitating the release of the clergyman, as well as those who showed concern to the family and the Church stating “this is the solidarity and humanity that is needed to overcome the insecurity and intolerance in the country.

Lalong wishes Rev. Zango well as he recuperates from the emotional and physical trauma he has undergone. He also urges him to remain strong and use his ordeal to encourage and motivate the people towards trust in God and respect for humanity. 

Lalong while celebrating with the COCIN family and its President, Rev. Dr. Dachollom Datiri, and charged them to continue to pray for God’s intervention in the affairs of the nation and interceed for other people in similar circumstances as well as upholding the security agencies as they continue to battle the insurgents in the country.

Nasarawa Police Parade 42 Armed Robbers, Kidnappers, other Suspects

From Beauty John, Lafia 

The Nasarawa state Police Command, on Wednesday, paraded 42 suspects for alleged armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, cultism and rail line vandalism in the different locations in the state.

The commissioner of Police in Nasarawa state, CP Bola Longe, while parading the suspects at the Police Headquarters in Lafia, the state capital, said 12 vandals , 24 armed robbery/kidnapping suspects, two rape suspects, and six cultists have been arrested by his men.

According to him, Six fire arms, eight live ammunition, one vehicle, and one handset were recovered from the suspects.

“On 26 /05/2021 at about 11:30am, information was received by Police personnel attached to Area Command, Keffi from a public spirited individual that, a commercial motorcyclist was attacked by suspected armed robbers along Pyanko road, Keffi.

Longe said that Police operatives who were on vehicular patrol close to the area raced to the scene, after a hot chase, arrested one Nwafor “M”23year old resident of Keffi LGA of the state.

Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed that, himself and other members of his gang from FCT Abuja came to Keffi and lodge at Kumbo Hotel along Keffi-Nasarawa road on a mission to rob designated houses at Federal Medical Centre quarters, Keffi before the arrest.

“Furthermore, the Police operatives moved to Kumbo Hotel in search of other members of the gang and one Afam Okoh ‘M’ 26yrs of Kabusa Area 1, FCT Abuja who on sighting the Police, scaled through the fence of the hotel in a bid to escape arrest but was shot on his left leg and arrested and taken to hospital for treatment.

“One Italian made pistol with breach number ITANFOGLIO/GUISPE was recovered from him as exhibit,” the CP added.

According to the CP, an Expanded investigation into the case, led to the arrest of other members of the syndicate and their arms supplier namely: Valentine ‘M’ 27yrs , Ikechukwu ‘M’ 28yrs and Justice ‘M’ and 50 year old Mukailu whom was the arms supplier to the syndicate and receiver of stolen vehicles from the criminal gang.

One Lexus ES300, Black in colour with registration number PHC 220 MS RIVERS snatched at gun point by the group in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State and one English Baretta pistol were also recovered from the suspects as exhibits.

CP Longe also disclosed that 12 persons have been arrested by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit for allegedly vandalizing railway sleepers in Gudi, Akanga LGA and Mararaba area of Karu LGA.

Three welding Machines and one Filling Machine were recovered from the suspects.

Longe thanked members of the public for cooperating with the police to ensure criminals are taken off the streets by providing useful information that leads to their arrests, as he called for sustenance.

He charged the people to be more vigilant especially people living along railway routes and its environs and to report any untoward activities to the Police.

“The responsibility of protecting and safeguarding public assets rest on all of us and people should not hesitate to inform the Police or other security agencies of suspicious moves or activities in their areas,” he said.