Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have killed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Naka Division in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
The DPO, Mamud Abubakar was killed by the gunmen who laid a siege along the Naka-Makurdi Road on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
Abubakar was responding to a distress call from road users with his team when the suspected herdsmen ambushed them and killed him in the process.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Anene Catherine, who confirmed the incident in a statement said the Naka Police Division received information at about 1:30pm on Tuesday that armed men blocked Makurdi-Naka road and people were running back to Naka for safety.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Naka Police Division, SP. Mamud Abubakar mobilized a team and moved to the scene,” the statement read.
“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, CP. Wale Abass, 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.
After commiserating with the family 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 perpetuators of this act to book, prevent further breakdown of law and order while ensuring 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.”
