At least three police officers have been shot dead 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, identified as Nutsa Tyav, was also killed during the attack.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Police Command, ASP Victor Mshelizah.
According to the statement, the police received a distress call from a resident, Zaki Orbanga of Tordamisa in Akate Ward, reporting that armed men suspected to be bandits had attacked Tse Kwe village.
The statement said a team of officers led by the Divisional Police Officer of Donga, alongside operatives of the Special Force, was immediately mobilised to the area to restore order and safeguard 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,” the statement said.
However, Corporal Raphael Danjuma and Police Constable Ebenezer Daniel sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the encounter. Another officer, Police Constable Samuel Bawa, was initially declared missing in the aftermath of the gun battle. A search party later recovered his body from a nearby bush.
The police also recovered the body of Nutsa Tyav, the vigilante chairman, who was killed in the attack.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the officers and the vigilante member, describing them as brave personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
The Command extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
Security operations have since been intensified in the area, with efforts ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible for the attack. The police urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid ongoing investigations.
