A pastor’s home in Hwol Buju community, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, was the target of an armed robbery attempt on Tuesday, but troops from Sector 1 of Operation Enduring Peace, OPEP, contained the intruders.
Captain Polycarp Oteh, the OPEP Media Information Officer, made the announcement in a statement on Thursday. He said that the security outfit’s troops were notified about the attack on Pastor Inyam Inyam’s residence in the early hours of Tuesday and quickly responded, causing the attackers to abandon their operation and flee.
According to Captain Oteh, the troops were quick to respond to gunshots at the pastor’s residence, stopping the attack and causing the alleged armed robbers to flee before they could complete their purpose.
The crooks were compelled to escape the scene as troops were deployed to the area in response to the distress call.
“The suspects escaped before security forces arrived,” the OPEP official said, adding that the operation had been abandoned.
He went on to say that due to injuries incurred in the event, the pastor and his daughter Hannatu Inyam were taken to a hospital in Mista-Ali for treatment.
Investigations into the incident have led to the recovery of a spent 7.62mm special ammunition case from the area.
“Subsequent medical investigation revealed that the victim, a female, had suffered a sexual assault during the incident,” he emphasised.
In addition, the statement announced that investigations into the occurrence have begun and that a manhunt has been initiated to catch the evading suspects.
Reiterating OPEP’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property throughout Plateau State and other regions within the joint operations area, he pleaded with the people to come forward with credible information that could help security services find the perpetrators and avoid future instances.