The Plateau State Police Command has arrested a suspect believed to be the mastermind of the deadly attack on Bin-Per village in the Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, reportedly claimed the lives of 25 people, while four others sustained injuries.
According to Naija News, the arrest was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Alfred Alabo, during an interview with Channels Television.
Alabo said the suspect in police custody was believed to have coordinated the attack, adding that investigations were continuing to identify and apprehend other persons allegedly involved.
The gunmen reportedly invaded the community during the night and moved from house to house, attacking residents while many were asleep.
Independent reports initially placed the death toll at 24 before later accounts put the number at 25 as another injured victim reportedly died.
The incident was the third attack recorded in parts of Mangu Local Government Area within one week, raising fresh concerns over the security of rural communities in Plateau State.
Following the attack, security agencies intensified operations across the area, while residents called for greater protection and the prosecution of those responsible.
The Joint Security Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, also relocated its tactical headquarters from Jos to Mangu in response to the recent attacks.
The task force said the relocation would allow commanders to closely monitor developments, deploy personnel more quickly and coordinate operations aimed at dismantling armed groups operating in the area.
Security personnel have also launched further searches for other suspects believed to have participated in the attack.
The police urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist investigators in locating the remaining suspects.
The arrest marks an early development in the investigation, and the suspect has not yet been convicted of any offence.
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