Police authorities in Nasarawa State have confirmed the foiling of an attack on their personnel by gunmen along the Kadarko-Makurdi Road, a border area near Benue State in Keana Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, revealed that the incident occurred at about 10:55 p.m. on Tuesday, when suspected armed men emerged from the Benue forest and opened fire on officers stationed in the area.
According to Nansel, the officers responded with courage and tactical skill, engaging the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire, which ultimately forced the assailants to retreat into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
However, one officer, Inspector Sunday Apochie, sustained injuries during the gun battle.
A backup team from the Kadarko Division was quickly deployed to the scene, successfully rescuing the injured officer and recovering his AK-47 rifle.
Sadly, a civilian who lived near the area was struck by a stray bullet fired by the attackers and died on the spot.
The injured officer was initially treated at a nearby health centre in Kadarko before being transferred to the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Lafia, where he is currently receiving medical care and reported to be in stable condition.
The State Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, has ordered a thorough investigation and launched a manhunt for the fleeing gunmen.
He also extended condolences to the family of the deceased civilian and visited the hospital to show support to the injured officer.
Nansel assured the public that the command is taking all necessary steps to track down those responsible and strengthen security in the area to prevent further attacks.