Police Confirm Three Officers, Vigilante Leader Killed In Taraba Attack

IG Disu

Taraba State Police Command has confirmed that three police officers and a local vigilante leader have been killed in an attack by suspected bandits in Tordamisa, Akate Ward of Donga local government area of Taraba State.

According to the police, the incident occurred after a distress call was received from a resident, Mr Zaki Orbanga, reporting that gunmen had attacked Tse Kwe Village of the same locality.

A press release issued by the command’s public relation officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, and made available to newsmen in Jalingo, said a team of officers led by the divisional police officer (DPO) of Donga Division, alongside operatives of the Special Force, was immediately deployed to the scene to restore order and protect residents.

The statement said, “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 Isokpan Otimenyin, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the brave officers and the vigilante member who paid the supreme price while protecting the state and nation at large.

The Command, however extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that their sacrifice will not be forgotten.