KOGI State police command on Wednesday, paraded three suspects, including a woman, in connection with the attack on members of Deeper Life Bible Church, Otite, where 20 people were killed.

The three suspects arrested in connection with the attack at Deeper Life Bible Church, at Otite, on Monday night. Photo: Yekini Jimoh.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammed Katsina, while parading the suspects before newsmen, said they were arrested at their hideout in Ibillo, Edo State.

He further said that his men fought them at their hideout, leaving the ring leader wounded, who, he said, had been taken to Edo Hospital in Ibillo.

While stating that they were able to arrest the suspects through the support of the Edo State police command, the police boss disclosed that they recovered one AK-47 rifle and the suspects’ traditional uniform.

He warned that whoever keeps weapons for criminals would be considered an accomplice and will be treated as such.

Meanwhile, after two days of attack in two separate incidents in Okene, Kogi State, which left 24 people dead, more military and mobile police personnel have been drafted to the state.

Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered on Wednesday that the security agents were drafted from other parts of the country on the order of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Some of those deployed in the state were drafted to Okene, the trouble spot, while others were stationed in Lokoja.

Already, normal economic activities have resumed in the towns, as banks opened for business on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police, on Wednesday, said it made a major breakthrough in its effort to bring to book, perpetrators of the

heinous crime that left two soldiers and many worshippers in Deeper Life Church, dead in Okene.

A statement from the Force, signed by CSP Frank Mba, Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, said, “acting on intelligence, crack detectives investigating the case stormed a criminal hideout in Idare Hills of Okene, suspected to be a safe haven for the hoodlums wreaking havoc in the state.

“On sighting the policemen, the hoodlums opened fire on them, prompting a gun duel. In the ensuing battle, the gang leader, identified as Yekini Isah of Obehira area of Okene, sustained injury on his head.

“Though he initially escaped from the scene, he was trailed and arrested in a hideout at Ibillo in Edo State, where he was receiving native treatment for his gun wounds.

“Two other suspects, including a female, were arrested during the operation. One AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds of live ammunition was also recovered from the criminals.

“The Inspector General of Police, Alhaji M.D. Abubakar, while commending the police operatives from the two commands for their professionalism, courage and gallantry, also thanked Nigerians for their cooperation, partnership and enduring faith in the Nigeria Police.

“He urged all citizens to remain vigilant and continue to support the police and other security agencies in their efforts at stamping out all forms of crimes and criminality from the country.

“Meanwhile, investigation and efforts at tracking other fleeing members of the gang continues,” the statement concluded.