Gboko killings: DPO under interrogation, others arrested, says Owoseni

The Benue State Police Command in Benue is interrogating the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Gboko A Division over the killing of seven persons on Wednesday, January 31.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi, yesterday, that some persons had been arrested in connection with the killing and burning of seven passengers by a mob at Gboko Motor Park in Gboko Council.

Owoseni said the DPO was being questioned on whether he acted professionally upon getting a distress call on the day of the incident.

“We have arrested some suspects, and of course, the Police has its accountability process.

“At the moment, we are trying to find out exactly what happened on that day. We are also looking at what the response time was, taking into consideration when the distress call was made and when the response came in.

“It is on the basis of this that the Divisional Officer of ‘A Division,’ Gboko, is being questioned.

“We want to know what time he got the distress call and what was his immediate action.

“We are also trying to find out from him if he responded professionally, because as a Police officer, our allegiance and loyalty is to the constitution of this country, not to any other person,” he said

It was gathered that the DPO had been moved to Force Headquarters in Abuja for further questioning.

Owoseni further disclosed that the remains of those killed in the incident had been buried.

On the directive of Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, that state commissioners Police should disarm all militias and vigilantes, Owoseni, while lamenting the proliferation of all kinds of arms in the state, however, said the Police were ready to enforce the order and advised those in possession of illegal arms to voluntarily surrender them or face the law.