GUNMEN KILL THREE POLICE OFFICERS, VIGILANTE CHAIRMAN IN TARABA ATTACK

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

At least three police officers have been killed by gunmen suspected to be bandits in Tordamisa community, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.

A 60-year-old Chairman of the Vigilante Group in Tordamisa Village was also shot dead during the attack.

The incident was confirmed in a press statement issued by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Police Command, ASP Victor Mshelizah.

According to the statement, the police response followed a distress call from a resident, Zaki Orbanga of Tordamisa in Akate Ward, who reported that armed men suspected to be bandits had attacked Tse Kwe village.

”Upon receipt of the information, a team of police officers led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Donga, alongside operatives of the Special Force, was immediately mobilized and deployed to the scene to restore order and protect residents.

”On arrival at the location, the suspected armed bandits opened fire on the police team, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire. The police operatives responded swiftly and repelled the attackers.

”Regrettably, during the encounter, CPL Raphael Danjuma and PC Ebenezer Daniel sustained fatal gunshot wounds in the line of duty. Another officer, PC Samuel Bawa, was initially reported missing during the operation. A search party was subsequently organized, and his body was later recovered in a nearby bush.

”Additionally, the corpse of Nutsa Tyav, a 60-year-old Chairman of the Vigilante Group in Tordamisa Village, was also recovered following the attack,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the officers and the vigilante member who died while protecting lives and property.

The Command extended its condolences to the families of the deceased, assuring them that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.

Security has since been reinforced in the area, with ongoing efforts to track down and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The police also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid investigations.