Bandits Kill Three Policemen, Vigilante Leader In Taraba

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State Police Command has officially confirmed the unfortunate deaths of three police officers and a vigilante leader following a confrontation with suspected bandits in Tse Kwe Village, located within the Donga Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement issued by ASP Victor Mshelizah, the Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), officers CPL Raphael Danjuma and PC Ebenezer Daniel were fatally wounded during a gunfire exchange with the attackers. Additionally, PC Samuel Bawa, initially reported missing, was later found deceased in a nearby bush.

ASP Mshelizah expressed deep concern over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

“The Taraba State Police Command regrets to inform the general public of a tragic security incident that ensued following a distress report from Zaki Orbanga, a resident of Tordamisa Akate Ward, indicating that armed individuals, believed to be bandits, had attacked Tse Kwe Village.

“Upon receiving this information, a team of police officers, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Donga, along with operatives from the Special Force, was promptly mobilized and dispatched to the scene to restore order and safeguard the residents.

“Upon arrival, the suspected armed bandits opened fire on the police team, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire. The police operatives responded swiftly and managed to repel the attackers.

“Regrettably, during the encounter, CPL Raphael Danjuma and PC Ebenezer Daniel sustained fatal gunshot wounds while serving their 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 body of Nutsa Tyav, a 60-year-old Chairman of the Vigilante Group in Tordamisa Village, was also recovered following the attack.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP BETTY ENEKPEN ISOKPAN OTIMENYIN psc minps, has expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the courageous officers and the vigilante member who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while protecting the state and nation. The Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, assuring them that their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

“In the meantime, security operations have been intensified in the area, with ongoing efforts to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous attack.

“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will assist in bringing the culprits to justice,” the statement read.