A policeman attached to the Joint Task Force, codenamed Operation Zenda, along the Otukpo–Ohimini Road in Benue State, has been shot dead by gunmen.
According to reports, the attack occurred in Otukpo, the traditional political seat of Idomaland, around 10:59 p.m. last weekend.
A source who spoke under anonymity due to security concerns said the officer was on duty at the checkpoint when the gunmen opened fire on them.
The deceased was identified as Inspector Akpan Ogbole of the Nigeria Police Force, while another officer was injured and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
A senior police officer, who did not want to be named, told journalists on Sunday that “a policeman and a member of the Nigeria Forest and Hunters who were at a checkpoint were shot by gunmen who were driving along Otukpo–Ohimini road at about 10:59 p.m. at the weekend.
“They were immediately rushed to Otukpo General Hospital for medical attention, but one of them died. His remains have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary.”
When contacted on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident, stating that the matter is currently under investigation.
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