Troops Block Robbery Attempt at Pastor's Home in Plateau, Begin Manhunt for Suspects

On Tuesday, troops from Sector 1 of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) stopped an armed robbery attempt at the home of Pastor Inyam Inyam in the Hwol Buju community, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.

Captain Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer for OPEP, told reporters on Thursday that the soldiers were alerted to gunshots at the pastor’s residence early that morning. The troops moved quickly to the scene, forcing the would‑be robbers to abandon their plan and flee.

“Upon receiving the distress report, troops moved to the area and engaged in efforts that forced the criminals to flee the scene,” Oteh said. “The suspects abandoned their operation and escaped before security forces arrived.”

Oteh added that the pastor and his daughter, Hannatu Inyam, were injured during the attack and were taken to a hospital in Mista‑Ali for treatment. A spent 7.62 mm special ammunition casing was recovered at the scene, and a medical examination later confirmed that the female victim had been sexually assaulted.

The statement announced that a manhunt has begun to locate the fleeing suspects, and investigations into the incident are underway. Oteh urged the public to share credible information that could help security forces apprehend the suspects and prevent similar attacks, reaffirming OPEP’s commitment to protecting lives and property throughout Plateau State and the joint operations area.