The Nasarawa State Police Command has thwarted an attack by suspected gunmen on its operatives along the Kadarko-Makurdi Road, a border community between Nasarawa and Benue states in Keana Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred around 10:55 pm on Tuesday, was confirmed in a statement issued Friday in Lafia by the command’s spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel.
According to Nansel, the assailants emerged from the Benue forest and launched a surprise attack on police personnel on duty.
“The gunmen who ambushed and attacked our personnel came from Benue forest and started shooting sporadically,” Nansel stated.
He said the police officers on duty responded gallantly and tactically, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
“Displaying gallantry and tactical superiority, the personnel engaged the assailants in a fierce gun duel,” he said.
“They successfully repelled the attack and forced the criminals to flee into the Benue forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
“Unfortunately, one police officer, Insp Sunday Apochie, sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange,” Nansel added.
A reinforcement team from the Kadarko Division was swiftly deployed to the scene, where they rescued the injured officer and recovered his service AK-47 rifle.
Tragically, a civilian living near the scene was hit by a stray bullet fired by the attackers and lost his life.
The injured officer was initially taken to the Primary Health Care Centre in Kadarko and later referred to the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Lafia, where he is currently receiving treatment and reportedly responding well.
In response to the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, ordered an intensive investigation and a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
The CP also extended his condolences to the bereaved family and visited the injured officer in the hospital to offer support.
Nansel reassured the public of the command’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and preventing further attacks.
