Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Plateau State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed a deeply disturbing surge in sexual offences, recording 64 cases of rape and defilement of minors over the past three months.
Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, disclosed the figures during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Jos on Friday, where he also paraded 25 suspects linked to a range of other serious crimes.
CP Ewah, speaking with visible concern, described the prevailing rate of rape and defilement—particularly involving underage victims—as “alarming.” He highlighted one harrowing case that has sent shockwaves through the local community.
“On 11 April 2026, at approximately 20:00hrs, we received a report at Langtang South Divisional Headquarters that one Nanmwa Vongjen, a 43-year-old male, lured a nine-year-old girl into his room in Fajul Village of Langtang South LGA and defiled her,” the CP stated.
“As a result of the forceful penetration, the victim sustained serious injuries to her private parts. She was immediately rushed to the hospital, where she is currently receiving medical attention. The suspect was arrested and detained. During interview, he admitted to the crime and claimed he acted under the influence of alcohol.”
Cult Crackdown and Bandit Logistics Network
In a separate operation, police apprehended nine suspected members of the dreaded Sura-Suka cult group in Jos North Local Government Area. The suspects—named as Abubakar Abdullahi, Amir Ibrahim, Rabiu Suleiman, Babangida Usman, Adam Abdullahi, Umar Adam, Khalid Mohammed, Sani Husaini, and Suleiman Salihu—were arrested on 30 April 2026 following intelligence from an informant.
According to the CP, the men armed themselves with cutlasses and other weapons before attacking residents on Dilimi Street, leaving one Kabiru Mohammed with bodily injuries. Investigators later confirmed that both the attackers and their victims belong to rival cult groups terrorising the Dilimi community.
Meanwhile, in Wase LGA, police arrested Musa Adamu and Mohammed Abubakar on 5 April 2026 after they were spotted on an isolated route frequently used by armed bandits. The suspects confessed to ferrying cash and supplies to bandits in their hideouts. Items recovered included ten packs of cigarettes, ₦50,000 in cash, Airtel recharge cards, and various objects used for taking illicit drugs.
CP Ewah assured the public that all suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
ENDS
