A Chief Magistrate Court in Benue State has remanded the Commander of Livestock Guard, Alhaji Tashaku Aliyu, in connection with the killing of two priests and 17 worshippers at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Mbalom, in Gwer East Local Government Area.
Five other suspects remanded are Husseini Manga, Ngyohov Shin, David Akenawe, Agada Tsesaa and Tarza Orvanya. They were ordered to be remanded by Chief Magistrate Isaac Ajim.
Prosecutor Edward Imo alleged that Aliyu, Husseini, Akenewa, Orvanya and Agada – all members of Livestock Guards – unlawfully and illegally secured guns and assisted herdsmen to terrorise and kill farmers.
He noted that the act is contrary to the anti-open grazing law enacted by the Benue State government.
Imo said based on intelligence, a combined team of F-SARS, DSS and the Army moved to Quararafa quarters, arrested Aliyu and took him to FCT Police Command, Abuja, for interrogation.
The prosecutor told the court that investigation was on.
Chief Magistrate Ajim ordered the accused persons to be remanded in Makurdi prison, and adjourned the case to July 17 for further hearing.