The Divisional Police Officer (D.P.O.) in charge of Naka Division in Gwer West L.G.A. of Benue State has been murdered by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Mamud Abubakar, the D.P.O., was killed by the armed men who blocked the Naka-Makurdi Road on Tuesday, January 31.
Abubakar was attacked and maimed by the ambush while responding to an emergency call from road users with his team.
Spokesperson of the command, Superintendent of Police (S.P.) Anene Catherine confirmed the incident. He attested to the Naka Police Division receiving a distress call at about 1:30pm on Tuesday that certain gunmen had besieged the Makurdi-Naka road and that people were fleeing back to Naka.
His statement reads in part:
“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 hoodlum and rescue people that were held at 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, C.P. Wale Abass, stated that Mamud paid the supreme price with his life after after his protective efforts for people of Gwer-west L.G.A. Abass prayed for the eternal rest of the D.P.O.
After consoling the bereaved family of the deceased, the Wale Abass commanded that tactical units under Chief Superintendent of Police (C.S.P.) Justin Gberindyer be sent to the area to search for and capture the criminals, maintain order in the area, and ensure that Makurdi-Naka road is 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 these armed men.
