By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State Police Command has confirmed the killing of five policemen by bandits during an attack on the Lambatta community in the Gurara local government area of Niger State.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the state police command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun in a statement issued on Sunday said that the officers killed included the divisional police officer of the area, SP Mukhtar Sabiu.
According to Abiodun, the bandits had attempted to attack some communities in Gurara local government upon which a combined group of security agencies including local vigilantes, the military, and the police were drafted from Gawu-Babangida and Paiko Divisions to the area.
A gun duel ensued during which the DPO and court other policemen were shot dead by the bandits.
“On 11/02/2023 at about 1100hrs, information was received that armed bandits were sighted around Kwakuti-Dajigbe villages area of Lambata, in an attempt to attack some communities around Gurara Local Government Area.
“Combined teams of police from Gawu-Babangida and Paiko Divisions, military, and vigilante members were drafted to the scene.
“The hoodlums were engaged in a gun duel and repelled with scores of them neutralized, while others escaped with bullet injuries.
“Regrettably, DPO Paiko Division, Superintendent of Police (SP) Mukhtar Sabiu, and four other police personnel from both divisions lost their lives during the gun duel.”
Abiodun added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ogundele Ayodeji had immediately led a reinforcement team to the area during which the bodies of the deceased’s were recovered.
