By Amos Aar
THE Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West LGA of Benue State, Superintendent of Police (SP), Mamud Abubakar, has been killed by gunmen.
The DPO was shot during a gun battle with the gunmen who reportedly blocked the Makurdi-Naka Highway on Tuesday.
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Sewuese Anene who confirmed the death of the Naka DPO in a statement said Mamud, who led a team of policemen from Naka Town to the scene of the attack, died in a hospital as a result of gunshot injuries sustained during a fire exchange with the attackers.
“On 31/1/2023 at about 1330hrs information was received at Naka Police Division that armed men blocked 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, 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 hoodlums 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 statement disclosed.
The statement added that following the incident, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr Wale Abass, has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical units to be led by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Justin Gberindyer, to hunt for the perpetrators and prevent further attacks on the affected road to make it accessible.
“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.
“After commiserating with the family and friends of the fallen hero, the CP ordered the immediate deployment of tactical units to be led by CSP. Justin Gberindyer to the area, to bring perpetrators of this act to book, prevent further breakdown of law and order while ensuring that Makurdi-Naka Road is accessible,” Anene said.
Makurdi-Naka Road is a busy and important road that links Benue State with Kogi State and the Eastern part of Nigeria.
