Troops of 23 Bde deployed Wukari on Ex-Ayem Akpatuma and team of Department of State Service from Jalingo conducted a cordon and search within Takum on Saturday 24 February 2018.
During the Operation, three (3) suspects were arrested in connection of the kidnapping and murdering of Hon. Hosea Ibi, a member of Taraba State House of Assembly and Mr. Chidiebere who was later released after the ransom was paid.
A statement by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col Ogunsanya said, “The suspects are Jaka Ejukun (24years), Peter Isaga (33years) and Arachukwu Bedforth (21years).
In a followed up investigation, a raid operation was conducted on Sunday 25 February 2018 by the combined team of own troops and Department of State Services in Gbise, Kastina Ala LGA where more arrests were made.
“During the operation the following suspects were arrested at various locations.
“They are Isaiah Suwe (23 years) a Tiv by tribe from Lessel Ushongo LGA of Benue State, Amadu Barnarbas Torva (aka Atamanin) (23 years) from Gbise Kastina Ala LGA of Benue State, Aondi Teroo (21 years), Nengenen Mbaawuaga Damian (22 years), Aondoase Kayitor (18 years) and Ternenge Tersoo (19 years).
“Consequently, a total of 9 persons have been arrested in the kidnapping and murdering of Hon. Hosea Ibi.
One of the suspects Amadu Barnabas Torva, participated actively in kidnapping and murdering of Hon. Hosea Ibi.
Items recovered from him include, 3 Glo sim cards, 3 MTN sim cards, 2 Etisalat sim cards, 1 Airtel sim card, One Gionee Android phone, 3 Techno dual sim phones and his voter’s card.
Other items include, 1 First Bank ATM cards without name on it with number 5061051125350935375, 1 vigilante identity card with Taraba State Command belonging to one Mr Moses Yaro suspected to be a previous victim of the gang and flash drive.
Suspects are presently in own custody undergoing Department of State Service interrogation.
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