Taraba State police command has nabbed the suspected mastermind of the recent killings orchestrated by unknown gunmen at Garbabi ward of Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Before the parade of the suspect, identified as Ardo Ayuba, at the police command, the Commissioner of Police, Shaba Arkali, said the plan was hatched in the house of the suspect.
He said the suspect was arrested by the policemen drafted to the area to stop the killings.
Although the police commissioner, while briefing journalists in his office at the police headquarters, said only 15 persons were killed by the gunmen, Governor Darius Ishaku said over 44 people were killed in the attack.
The governor also said five persons were injured, while six others were missing at the time of the report, with over 100 displaced, including women and children.
In a press statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Isahaku on Media and Publicity, Sylvanus Giwa, said the attack started on Sunday with a case of rape by the armed bandits, which the lady resisted, adding that this led to unleashing of mayhem on the entire villages of Gashaka and some part of Bali local government area.
Other places affected by the crisis included Maisuma, where nine people were killed; and Fali village where seven persons were also killed.
He said the 100 displaced persons were taking refuge at Mayo-Selbe, Kungana and Garbabi villages in Gashaka local government area.
However, the commissioner of police told journalists that the Police had deployed 60 mobile police men from Yola to take over the situation.
He urged the people to remain calm, adding that investigation was ongoing to ensure that the perpetrators of the act were brought to book.
