Alhaji Adamu Idris Gabdo, the mastermind behind the murder of the Ardo of Panyam in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, was officially taken into custody by the Nigerian Army on Wednesday.
A statement released by the Army on social media site X claims that Philip Gokas, also known as Jaykimo, is the mastermind. He was apprehended in Lagos State by members of the Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) Tactical Team.
According to the statement, Gokas has already admitted to committing the crime.
It further stated that the suspect has already provided information that should result in his accomplices’ apprehension in the next several days.
“The troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) Tactical Team have apprehended the main mastermind behind the murder of the slain Alhaji Adamu Idris Gabdo, the Ardo of Panyam in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State,” according to an Army release.
“After a torturous quest lasting weeks to apprehend the offender, Mr. Philip Gokas, commonly known as Jaykimo, was apprehended in Lagos State.
“His tracking and subsequent arrest in the Ogba area of Lagos State, where he was discovered having fun and drinking beer at a football viewing center, were the results of OPSH’s unrelenting pursuit.”
“The successful collaboration of OPSH and the unwavering dedication of Mr. Philip Gokas is demonstrated by his arrest.
“Mr. Gokas has admitted to the crime in full and has supplied important information that will help in the apprehending of other suspects in this horrible act in the days ahead.
According to Chief of Defence Staff Gen. CG Musa, “this development serves as a clear warning to criminals that they cannot elude justice as security agencies retain the capacity and resilience to use all elements of national power to hold them accountable.”
Remember that after the Ardo Panyam was killed, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, ordered Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) to retrieve the body of the victim. The OPSH Tactical team successfully completed this task in a remote part of Bauchi state and turned the body over to the family for interment.
The order also required the troops to apprehend the offenders as soon as possible and bring them to justice in order to avert retaliation and the start of a new cycle of violence following the peace that had been achieved on the Plateau as a result of the start of Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV.
“The discovery also marks a significant turning point in our fight for justice. For this reason, we don’t waver in our resolve to keep the Plateau and its surroundings safe and secure. We shall keep up our relentless efforts to stop any further escalation of violence.
“Maj Gen AE Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, sincerely thanks the public for their cooperation and assistance during this investigation.
“Without the crucial support and information from the community, the body of the late Ardo of Panyam could not have been recovered, and Mr. Philip Gokas could not have been arrested.
He went on to say that the illegal conduct was carried out by a small number of wicked individuals in the community and did not reflect the intentions of the good people of Panyam who have coexisted peacefully with their Fulani brothers for many years.
“The General of the Army also expressed his gratitude to the troops, particularly the Tactical Team, for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and ceaseless efforts throughout the operation in distant Lagos.”
The Army also gave the people the assurance that their efforts to guarantee everyone’s safety and security would not falter and would always come first. They also said that they would keep collaborating closely with pertinent parties and holding ongoing discussions to promote harmony and tranquility in the region.
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