Troops arrest one of the suspected killers of newly married couple in Plateau

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) of the Nigerian Army have arrested one of the suspected killers of a couple, Rwang Danladi, 37, and his wife, Sandra, 28, in Kwi Community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Lt.-Col. Ishaku Takwa, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, disclosed this at a news conference on Saturday, November 25, 2023, in Jos.

The couple, both teachers of BECO Comprehensive Secondary School, Kwi, were killed when herdsmen allegedly forced their way into the school premises to graze their cows but were stopped by security men on duty. 

When the teachers approached to plead with the herds to vacate the premises, the herders brought out their guns, shot and killed them. 

Takwa explained that the suspect was arrested on November 18, in Tafawa community of Barkin Ladi, following the resilience and commitment of the troops.

“You will recall that in August, gunmen forced themselves into BECO Comprehensive Secondary School, Kwi, and killed a couple, who are both teachers in the school,” he said. 

“We commenced investigation and arrested one Lukman Aminu, who has been on our wanted list over numerous criminal offences

“He was arrested at Tafawa village in Barkin Ladi and has since confessed to committing the crime

”We are on the trail of the remaining attackers and they would be brought to justice soon,” he said. 

Takwa said that 11 other suspects were arrested for murder, illegal manufacturing of weapons, among other crimes in the state.

He further said that the successes recorded by the taskforce followed the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and support of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) that criminals, irrespective of their status, are brought to justice.

Takwa also commended the commitment of Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the Commander of the taskforce, to ensure the safety of lives and property of all  residents in Plateau.

He said that the troops recovered six rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one sub-machine gun, one rifle, one pistol and seven unfinished fabricated rifles from the suspects.

Other items recovered include a Lister generator, fabricating materials, military kits, four mobile phones and cash.