Owo Killings: Extract useful information from arrested suspects, experts charge military

Members of the security and intelligence community have urged the military high command and joint security operations to go deep in extracting useful information that would help curb terrorism in the country from suspects already in custody over the killings that recently took place at St. Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

One of them, a former Director of the Department for State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, urged investigators to do a deep dive in collecting all information from the suspected killers.

He commended the joint security effort that led to the arrest of the suspects.

According to him, “the arrest of a terrorist suspect provides a bank of invaluable information that security agencies can use for future operations. Interrogators must therefore do a deep dive in collecting all information from them.

“One cannot put a timeline on when such investigation can be concluded. It depends on the cooperation or otherwise of the suspect.

“I commend the joint security forces in tracking down the suspects. They should be able to achieve the same feat faster by not giving the terrorists a breathing space after the incident.”

A certified protection officer, Mr. Frank Oshanugor, also commended the security agencies for arresting some of the suspects.

He noted that even though the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, who made the announcement of the arrests did not give details of the confessional statements made so far by the suspects, it could be that the military have chosen to be economical with words for now as investigation was still on going.

He added: “However, I think the investigators are aware of the gravity of the offence and expectations of the public with respect to unveiling or unmasking the sponsors of the attack.

“I strongly believe that the real masterminds of the attack are not the suspects arrested.  Those arrested are just the hatchet men whereas their paymasters’ identities are shrouded in secrecy.  The investigators should go extra mile to unravel the masterminds who are also likely to be behind other such attacks on churches elsewhere.

“The security agencies must not sweep the matter under the carpet, like in some cases, after this initial breakthrough.

“Since some suspects are already arrested, investigators should ensure that they do not delay in obtaining more information that could lead to the arrest of their sponsors as further delay could give the sponsors opportunity to escape from the country or try to do heinous things to abruptly terminate the lives of the suspects in custody so as not to implicate them.

“I may not be able to give timeline for the investigators, as investigation may be tedious but no chances should be taken by way of unnecessarily delaying activities that could aid quick conclusion of investigation and parade of the suspects.

“To some extent, I am satisfied with the action taken so far by security agencies on the Owo massacre as it goes to show that they are committed in their responsibilities as demanded by the oath of allegiance they had sworn to, to protect the country and its citizenry.”

Security analyst, Christopher Oji, also said: “The investigators, security agencies, should work in synergy. If you crack any crime, it is for the interest of the country. They should intensify action and their dragnet to other neighbouring states and work with the Nigerian Air force and comb the bushes.”

Investigations revealed that the suspects so far are all indigenes of Kogi State of Ebira extraction.

Sources in the military high command told The Guardian that the military was doing a lot with regard to the Owo killings, adding that divulging much information to the media would jeopardise investigation.