At least three police officers and a local vigilante were killed in a brazen attack by suspected bandits in Tordamisa, authorities have confirmed.
The slain vigilante, Nutsa Tyav, was 60 years old and chaired the village vigilante group.
The tragic incident was verified in a statement by ASP Victor Mshelizah, Acting Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Police Command.
The operation followed a distress call from a local resident, Zaki Orbanga of Akate Ward, reporting that armed men had attacked Tse Kwe village.
“Upon receipt of the information, a team of police officers, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Donga and supported by operatives of the Special Force, was immediately mobilised and dispatched to restore order and protect residents,” the statement read.
According to police reports, the officers came under gunfire from the suspected bandits upon arrival, resulting in a fierce exchange.
CPL Raphael Danjuma and PC Ebenezer Daniel sustained fatal injuries during the encounter, while PC Samuel Bawa was initially reported missing but later found dead in a nearby bush.
“The body of Nutsa Tyav, the 60-year-old Chairman of the Vigilante Group, was also recovered following the attack,” the statement added, highlighting the human cost of the raid.
CP Betty Enekpen expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the officers and the vigilante, praising their courage in defending the community.
The Police Command extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that their sacrifice would be remembered.
In response to the incident, security operations have been intensified across the area to track and apprehend the perpetrators.
The command urged the public to remain calm and provide timely and credible information that could assist in bringing the attackers to justice.
