By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
Suspected Fulani militia on Thursday morning attacked and killed three police officers, a vigilante leader, and four other persons in Tor-Damisa community of Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Periscope Nigeria reports that the traditional ruler of the area, HRH Zaki Ugondo Uma, had two weeks ago raised the alarm that Fulani militia were regrouping around the community. He warned of an impending attack, particularly targeting internally displaced persons (IDPs), and called on the state government to deploy security to the area.
Meanwhile, local residents told our correspondent that four civilians also lost their lives in the attack, while many others sustained injuries.
In a press statement released by the Taraba State Police Command and signed by its Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Victor Mshelizah, the Command confirmed that the officers died in active service while responding to a distress call.
“The Taraba State Police Command regrets to inform the general public of a tragic security incident that occurred following a distress report received from Zaki Orbanga, a resident of Tordamisa, 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 mobilised and deployed to the scene to restore order and protect residents,” the statement said.
The Command further explained that upon arrival at the scene, the suspected armed bandits opened fire on the police team, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“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 organised, 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 added.
The statement also quoted the State Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen, as expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the officers and the vigilante member who paid the supreme price while protecting the state and the nation.
While extending condolences to the families of the deceased, the CP disclosed that security operations have been intensified in the area, with efforts ongoing to track down and apprehend the perpetrators.
The Command urged members of the public to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will aid in bringing the culprits to justice.
