Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Alabo Alfred, has confirmed the release of Isaac Wakili, a traditional ruler abducted by gunmen in the early hours of Friday, 20 January, 2023.
Alfred said two suspects have been arrested in connection with his abduction.
It was gathered that the gunmen engaged police officers in a gun battle before two suspects were arrested. While one police officer was injured, a civilian guard was shot dead.
The statement read: “In line with the assurance of the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, CP Bartholomew N. Onyeka, psc(+), that criminals will surely be apprehended during or after committing every crime in the State, abductors of HRH. Rev. Dr. Azi Wakili, the paramount ruler of Jos East LGA, Jos had been arrested by gallant police operatives of the Command.
“Today, 20/01/2023 at about 0100hrs a distressed call was received by Angware Police Divisional Headquarters of the Command that unknown gunmen forcefully entered the residence of Agwom Izare, HRH. Rev. Dr. Azi Wakili and kidnapped the paramount ruler.
“As soon as the information was received, police operatives led by the DPO of Angware, SP Timothy Bebissa raced to scene to rescue abductee but were engaged by the gunmen in a gun battle where one of our operative sustained a gunshot injury and one yet to be identified civilian guard was shot death by the kidnappers.
“In a relentless effort, the Police, other security agencies and security help groups strategized, swung into action, rescued the traditional ruler and arrested two suspects in connection with the nefarious act. However, the injured police officer had been taken to the hospital for treatment while the deceased corpse was deposited at a hospital for autopsy. Meanwhile, investigation is still in progress.”
