The Taraba State Police Command has verified the heartbreaking loss of three officers and a community security leader following a violent ambush by bandits within the state.
According to a formal brief released this Thursday in the capital, Jalingo, the incident was triggered by an emergency call from a resident in the Tordamisa Akate Ward, who reported that armed gunmen were raiding their village.
Police officials explained that a tactical team, spearheaded by the Donga Divisional Police Officer and bolstered by Special Force units, was quickly dispatched to the scene to protect the villagers and push back the invaders.
However, the command reported that tragedy occurred during a brutal shootout in Tse Kwe Village, which resulted in the deaths of the three policemen and a local vigilante head.
The official statement noted: “Upon arrival, the officers came under heavy gunfire from the attackers, leading to a fierce exchange. In the course of the operation, the police operatives engaged the bandits and successfully repelled the attack.”
The department identified the fallen heroes as Corporal Raphael Danjuma, Police Constable Ebenezer Daniel, and Police Constable Samuel Bawa. Authorities clarified that “Bawa had initially been declared missing before his body was later recovered in a nearby bush during a search operation.”
The skirmish also took the life of 60-year-old Nutsa Tyav, the chairman of the Tordamisa Village vigilante group, whose body was discovered following the clash. The State Commissioner of Police, Betty Enepen Isokpan Otimenyin, shared her deep grief over the news, hailing the deceased as true patriots who gave everything to keep their neighbors safe.
While offering her sympathies to the grieving families, she promised that their loss would lead to justice. She pointed out that more boots are now on the ground in the area, with active missions currently underway to hunt down the killers.
The police are also calling on the public to stay composed and assist law enforcement by sharing any useful tips that could help close the case.