The Special Military Task-force, Operation Safe Haven, OPSH, has arrested suspected killers of Na’aman Stephen, a Catholic seminarian in Jos, the Media Officer, Capt. James Oya disclosed this while addressing newsmen on Friday.
OPSH is charged with the responsibility of maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna States.
Credible News had reported that gunmen killed Na’aman when they attacked St Raphael Catholic Church, Fadan-Kamatan of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The seminarian was killed when the criminals set the rectory ablaze after a failed kidnap attempt on the two priests working in the parish.
Oya stated that among the arrested suspects were those who killed Dorathy Janothan at Afana community of Zangon Kataf after they failed to have carnal knowledge of her.
“Among these suspects are those in connection with the murder of Mrs Dorathy Jonathan on Sept. 1 at Afana Village in Zango Kataf.
“Also, the suspects involved in the attack and burning of St Raphael’s Catholic Church Fadan Kamatan on Sept. 7, are also here.
“Recall that the attack led to death of Na’aman Stephen, a seminarian serving at the parish.
“The swift response of our troops rescued Rev. Emmanuel Okolo and Noah Monday, the parish priest and his assistant.
“On the whole, we have eight suspects in our custody who are arrested for committing the above crimes and also running a gun manufacturing factory in the area”, he said.
The media officer added that 31 weapons of various categories were recovered during the operation that led to the arrest of the suspects.
“These weapons include three AK-47 rifles, 10 locally fabricated pistols, five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, nine revolvers, three locally fabricated sub machine guns, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and machine tools.
”Other items recovered include one pistol holster, one military camel pouch, one police combat helmet, two masks, four identity cards, gunpowder, charms, amulets among others”.
Oya appreciated residents of its area of operations for their support to OPSH and other security agencies in their bids toward ending all forms of criminalities in the state.
Recall that the Commander of OPSH, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar at a stakeholder security meeting in Zango Kataf, vowed to arrest killers of the seminarian and other criminals terrorissing the area.