Major General Idris Alkali

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested scores of residents, mainly youths of Dura village in Jos South Local Government Area over the disappearance of Major General Idris Alkali (rtd).

Reports say those arrested during the clampdown on the village by men of the 3 Division which began on Tuesday night and lasted until Wednesday morning have been undergoing interrogation in an effort by the Army to get information that would reveal Gen. Alkali’s killers.

A resident of the community who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity said: “As a matter of fact, the military is already occupying the community. The operation started in the night.

“We woke in the morning to see soldiers surround the entire community in a way that says everyone is in danger. Most of them were taken into  a military truck. The soldiers came from Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Barrack, Jos.”

Local sources say dozens of military personnel stormed the remote community at daybreak, arresting anyone in sight including women. The soldiers also forced their subjects to surrender and board a military truck which took them into detention. 

Confirming the development through a text message, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Armoured Division, Col. Kayode Ogunsanya said: “The Army is on a mission to find the missing Maj.-Gen. Idris Alkali (rtd) whose vehicle was discovered in a pond near the community.

“I cannot tell you the number of people arrested, but it is normal that when we conduct such operations, some people will be apprehended.

“They were screened and sorted out based on their degree of involvement in the crime. The general area of Dura-Du district in Jos South has been cordoned off. The aim is to search for the missing Gen. Alkali dead or alive.”