Ogunsanya added that more suspects Isaiah Suwe (23 years), Amadu Barnarbas Torva aka Atamanin (23 years), Aondi Teroo (21 years), Nengenen Mbaawuaga Damian (22 years), Aondoase Kayitor (18 years) and Ternenge Tersoo (19 years) were arrested in a followed up investigation and a raid operation conducted on Sunday 25 February
“Troops of 23 Bde deployed Wukari on EX AYEM AKPATUMA and team of Department of State Service from Jalingo conducted a cordon and search within Takum on Saturday 24 February 2018. During the Operation, three (3) suspects were arrested in connection of the kidnapping and murdering of Honourable Hosea Ibi, a member of Taraba State House of Assembly and Mr Chidiebere who was later released after the ransom was paid. The suspects are Jaka Ejukun (24years), Peter Isaga (33years) and Arachukwu Bedforth (21years)
“In a followed up investigation, a raid operation was conducted on Sunday 25 February 2018 by the combined team of own troops and Department of State Services in Gbise, Kastina Ala LGA where more arrests were made. During the operation the following suspects were arrested at various locations. They are Isaiah Suwe (23 years) a Tiv by tribe from Lessel Ushongo LGA of Benue State, Amadu Barnarbas Torva (aka Atamanin) (23 years) from Gbise Kastina Ala LGA of Benue State, Aondi Teroo (21 years), Nengenen Mbaawuaga Damian (22 years), Aondoase Kayitor (18 years) and Ternenge Tersoo (19 years)” Ogunsanya said.
He noted that a total of 9 persons have been arrested in connection with kidnapping and murdering of Honourable Hosea Ibi. Ogunsanya explained that one of the suspects Amadu Barnabas Torva, participated actively in kidnapping and murdering of the lawmaker.
Deputy Director Army Public Relations said 3 Glo sim cards, 3 MTN sim cards, 2 Etisalat sim cards, 1 Airtel sim card, One Gionee Android phone, 3 Techno dual sim phones and voter’s card were recovered from Amadu Barnabas Torva
Other items include 1 First Bank ATM cards without name on it with number 5061051125350935375, 1 vigilante identity card with Taraba State Command belonging to one Mr Moses Yaro suspected to be a previous victim of the gang and flash drive.
He said the suspects are presently in their custody undergoing Department of State Service interrogation.
