- Insp Sunday Apochie was shot during the fierce shootout and is currently hospitalised and responding to treatment.
- A civilian was tragically hit by a stray bullet and died instantly during the crossfire between police and gunmen.
The Nasarawa state police command says its operatives repelled a deadly ambush by gunmen along the Kadarko–Makurdi Road in Keana local government area.
In a statement released on Friday in Lafia, the spokesperson of the command, Ramhan Nansel, said the attack took place at about 10:55pm on Tuesday night.
According to him, the armed men emerged from the forest linking neighbouring Benue state and launched an unprovoked attack on police officers on duty.
“The gunmen who ambushed and attacked our personnel came from Benue forest and started shooting sporadically,” the statement said.
“Displaying gallantry and tactical superiority, the personnel engaged the assailants in a fierce gun duel.”
“They successfully repelled the attack and forced the criminals to flee into the Benue forest with suspected gunshot wounds.”
“Unfortunately, one police officer, Insp Sunday Apochie, sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange,” he added.
Nansel explained that officers from the Kadarko division moved in quickly and evacuated the injured officer to safety.
He said a civilian who was in the area was hit by a stray bullet fired by the attackers and died on the spot.
The injured officer, according to the police, is currently receiving medical treatment and is responding well.
The commissioner of police in the state, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, has directed the commencement of a full-scale investigation into the incident.
Nansel assured the public that the command is working tirelessly to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
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