The Special Military Taskforce, known as Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), which is responsible for upholding peace in Plateau State and certain areas of Bauchi and Kaduna States, has successfully apprehended individuals believed to be responsible for the murder of Na’aman Stephen, a Catholic seminarian.
Captain James Oya, the Media Officer of the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), made this disclosure during a press briefing held on Friday in Jos.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Na’aman was fatally shot by unidentified assailants during an assault on the rectory of St Raphael Catholic Church in Fadan-Kamatan, located in the Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The seminarian met his demise when the perpetrators intentionally ignited the rectory following an unsuccessful endeavor to abduct the two clergymen serving in the local church.
According to Oya’s account, the group of individuals who were apprehended included those responsible for the murder of Dorathy Janothan in the Afana hamlet of Zangon Kataf. Their motive for the crime was reportedly their unsuccessful attempt to engage in sexual activity with her.
Among the individuals under scrutiny are those believed to be linked to the homicide of Mrs. Dorathy Jonathan on September 1st in Afana Village, located in the Zango Kataf region.
Furthermore, the individuals implicated in the assault and subsequent arson of St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Fadan Kamatan on September 7th are currently present at this location as well.
It is important to note that the aforementioned incident resulted in the unfortunate demise of Na’aman Stephen, a seminarian who was actively engaged in his duties at the parish.
The expeditious intervention of our military personnel successfully rescued Reverend Fathers Emmanuel Okolo and Noah Monday, who serve as the parish priest and his assistant, respectively.
According to the speaker, a total of eight individuals have been apprehended and are currently in detention for their alleged involvement in the aforementioned criminal activities, as well as their alleged operation of a firearm production facility within the vicinity.
According to the media officer, a total of 31 firearms belonging to different categories were seized during the operation that resulted in the apprehension of the suspects.
The armaments in question consist of three AK-47 rifles, ten pistols of local origin, five locally produced AK-47 rifles, nine revolvers, three locally manufactured submachine guns, a quantity of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a collection of machine tools.
The speaker mentioned the recovery of many goods, such as a handgun holster, a military camel pouch, a police battle helmet, two masks, four identity cards, gunpowder, charms, amulets, and other such objects.
Oya expressed gratitude to the inhabitants within its operational jurisdiction for their invaluable support rendered to the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and other security establishments in their collective efforts to eradicate various manifestations of criminal activities.
According to a report by NAN, Major General Abdusalam Abubakar, the Commander of OPSH, made a commitment during a security meeting with stakeholders in Zango Kataf to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the murder of the seminarian, as well as other criminals causing fear and distress in the region.
