The Special Military Taskforce, known as Operation Safe Haven, responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna States, has apprehended the alleged murderers of Na’aman Stephen, a Catholic seminarian. This was announced by Capt. James Oya, the Media Officer of OPSH, during a press conference on Friday in Jos.
Na’aman was killed by gunmen who attacked the rectory of St Raphael Catholic Church, located in Fadan-Kamatan of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area in Kaduna State. The seminarian lost his life when the criminals set fire to the rectory following an unsuccessful kidnap attempt on two priests working in the parish.
Capt. Oya revealed that those arrested were suspected of killing Dorathy Janothan at Afana community of Zangon Kataf, after their failed attempt to sexually assault her.
He stated, “Among these suspects are those connected with the murder of Mrs Dorathy Jonathan on Sept. 1 at Afana Village in Zango Kataf. Also, these suspects involved in the attack and burning of St Raphael’s Catholic Church Fadan Kamatan on Sept. 7, are also here.”
He added that their swift response led to the rescue of Rev. Fr. 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.
During the operation that led to these arrests, 31 weapons of various types were recovered. “These weapons include three AK-47 rifles,10 locally fabricated pistols, five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, nine revolvers, three locally fabricated submachine guns, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and machine tools,” Capt. Oya explained.
He also expressed gratitude to residents for supporting OPSH and other security agencies in their efforts to end all forms of criminal activities.
