Police in Nasarawa State have repelled an armed attack on their officers along the Kadarko-Makurdi Road, a location close to the Benue State border in Keana Local Government Area.
The state police spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, explaining that the attempted ambush took place late Tuesday night at around 10:55 p.m. He said the assailants, believed to have emerged from a nearby forest in Benue, launched a sudden assault on officers stationed in the area by opening fire.
In response, the police personnel engaged the attackers in a heated gunfight, successfully pushing them back and forcing them to retreat into the forest, likely with injuries. During the exchange, one officer, Inspector Sunday Apochie, sustained a gunshot wound.
Reinforcement from the Kadarko police division quickly arrived, rescued the injured officer, and secured his service rifle from the scene. Tragically, a civilian who lived near the location of the attack was struck by a stray bullet fired by the gunmen and died on the spot.
The wounded officer was initially treated at a local medical facility in Kadarko before being transferred to the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Lafia. Authorities said he is currently responding well to treatment.
Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, has ordered a full investigation into the attack and launched a manhunt to track down the fleeing gunmen. He also paid a visit to the injured officer at the hospital and extended his condolences to the family of the civilian who lost his life.
The police assured residents that efforts are underway to enhance security in the area and prevent similar attacks in the future.
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