The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Naka Division in Benue State Police Command, SP Mamud Abubakar, was on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, killed by suspected herdsmen in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Also killed between Sunday, January 29, and Tuesday morning were five others, according to the local government chairman, Ayande Andrew.
Thenewsbearer gathered that the police officer was ambushed and killed along Makurdi-Naka road on Tuesday afternoon.
He was said to have been shot by the gunmen while returning to his Division in Naka from Makurdi where he went on peace escort.
It has yet to be known who the killers were and the identities of other casualties.
The chairman of Gwer West LGA, Ayande Andrew, who spoke with journalists, said that aside the DPO, five others were also killed between Sunday and Tuesday morning.
Andrew disclosed that the DPO was killed by suspected herders.
He said: “The road was blocked by herdsmen and the DPO was on his way from Makurdi when they ambushed him. He was the only person in the vehicle along that road.
“There were policemen on the road where the incident happened. That is what I am trying to find out if any other policeman was involved. We don’t know if he travelled with any of his men.”
When asked about earlier attacks by herdsmen, the chairman said: “Someone was killed this morning at the Tsenge village by herdsmen and four others were killed at Babowa community on Sunday, all in the local government area.”
In a statement by command’s spokeswoman, SP Catherine Anene, said that before the unfortunate death of the DPO, information was received at Naka Police Division at about 1:30pm that armed men blocked Makurdi-Naka road and people were running back to Naka town for safety.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Naka Police Division, SP Mamud Abubakar mobilized a team and moved to the scene.
“On sighting the police vehicle, the hoodlums engaged them in a gun duel that lasted until the police were able to suppress these hoodlums and rescue people that were held in the road.
“However, the DPO, who led the team, sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to General Hospital, Naka where he was eventually confirmed dead.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP. Wale Abass who received this unfortunate information with dismay stated that Mamud paid the supreme price with his life after doing so much to secure the people of Gwer West Local Government Area. He prayed that Almighty God will grant the DPO eternal rest,” the PPRO stated.
CP Abass also commiserated with the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen hero.
The police commissioner was said to have immediately ordered the deployment of tactical units, led by CSP Justin Gberindyer, to the area to bring perpetrators of the act to book, prevent further breakdown of law and order.
He also ordered that the operatives should ensure that Makurdi-Naka road becomes accessible.
He assured the good people of Gwer West LGA of his commitment to secure them and urged them to remain calm and assist the police with information in dealing with the armed men.
