Kidnapped Plateau monarch regains freedom, eight suspects in troops’ net

Troops of Operation Safe Haven have arrested eight suspects in connection with the kidnap of a traditional ruler in Plateau State, Charles Mato Dakat.

Dakat, a Paramount ruler in Gindiri LGA, was abducted by gunmen who attacked his palace last Sunday around 1am.

He was, however, released in the early hours of Friday.

Confirming the arrest of the eight suspects in a statement on Friday shortly after the monarch regained his freedom, the Military Information Officer of Operation Safe Haven said, “While the Paramount ruler of Gindiri in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Chief Charles Mato, has been with his abductors, the commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, placed the troops deployed at Gyanbus on red alert and the hot trail of the perpetrators.

“Consequently, Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnap incidence and are being interrogated. Following this development, the paramount ruler, early this morning of Friday 31 December 2021, was released by his abductors.”

The statement added that “Operations SAFE HAVEN is still very much on the ground to ensure all those involved in the kidnap of the traditional ruler are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.” (The PUNCH)