The Nigeria Police Force in Taraba State has confirmed the killing of three police officers and a vigilante leader following an attack by suspected bandits in Donga Local Government Area.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, disclosed in a statement that the incident occurred after a distress call was received from a resident of Tordamisa Akate Ward, reporting an attack on Tse Kwe Village.
He said a team of operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Donga, alongside special forces, was immediately deployed to the area to restore order.
“On arrival, the suspected bandits opened fire on the police team, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. The operatives responded swiftly and repelled the attackers,” he said.
Mshelizah, however, noted that three officers—Cpl. Raphael Danjuma, PC Ebenezer Daniel, and PC Samuel Bawa—lost their lives during the operation.
He added that Bawa was initially declared missing, but his body was later recovered in a nearby bush following a search operation.
The statement further revealed that the corpse of Mr Nutsa Tyav, a 60-year-old chairman of the local vigilante group in Tordamisa Village, was also recovered after the attack.
The Commissioner of Police, Betty Enepen Isokpan Otimenyin, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the deceased as brave personnel who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
She extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
The police said security operations had been intensified in the area, with efforts ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible.
The Command urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid ongoing investigations.
