The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Naka Division in Benue State Police Command, SP Mamud Abubakar, was killed on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, by suspected herdsmen in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Witnesses disclosed that the DPO was killed by the gunmen who laid siege to Naka-Makurdi’s dilapidated road at about 3:30pm.
The Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Andrew Ayande, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on the telephone. He noted that the deceased, who was in charge of Naka Divisional Police Station, drove alone in a vehicle and was going to pick up his men posted along the road on routine duty before the gunmen opened fire on him.
Ayande, however, said it was unclear whether other vehicles plying the route were attacked.
Also killed between Sunday, January 29, and Tuesday morning were five others, according to the local government chairman.
The council chairman also said one Terhemba Tion was killed in the early hours of Tuesday by armed invaders who attacked his community in Gwer West LGA.
He said the deceased Tion was killed in his Mbadyugh Tse-uhon community in Sengev council ward of Gwer West.
In a statement by the 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 the 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 mobilised 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 fallen hero’s family, friends and colleagues.
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, and 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.
