No fewer than three police officers and a vigilante leader have been killed following an attack by suspected bandits in Taraba State.
The incident occurred in Tordamisa community, located in Donga Local Government Area of the state, according to the police authorities.
The Nigeria Police Force in the state confirmed the development in a statement issued in Jalingo, noting that the attack followed a distress call from residents over the invasion of armed men.
According to the police, a response team led by the Divisional Police Officer of Donga, alongside other operatives, was deployed to the affected area to restore order.
However, upon arrival at Tse Kwe village, the operatives reportedly came under heavy gunfire from the attackers, leading to a fierce exchange.
During the confrontation, three officers identified as Corporal Raphael Danjuma, Police Constable Ebenezer Daniel, and Police Constable Samuel Bawa Bandits kill police Tarabawere killed.
Police authorities said Bawa was initially declared missing before his body was later recovered during a search operation.
The attack also claimed the life of Nutsa Tyav, a 60-year-old chairman of the local vigilante group in the community.
The police said the operatives were able to repel the attackers despite the casualties recorded.
The Commissioner of Police in the state condoled with the families of the deceased, describing them as officers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
She also assured residents that security had been reinforced in the area, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria, where communities continue to grapple with attacks by armed groups.
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