Herdsmen kill 3 policemen, 2 vigilante personnel in Taraba

Three police officers and two vigilante personnel have been killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Taraba State.

The incident, which was confirmed by the state police command on Friday, happened in Bujum Kasua village on Thursday in Lau local government area of the state.

A team of five policemen and three vigilantes led by Divisional Crime Officer, DCO, ASP Kilobas Iliya were ambushed while responding to a distress call.

A statement made available to reporters by the command spokesperson, ASP David Misal said the team leader, ASP Kilobas Iliya, two police officers and two vigilantes were killed while others escaped.

The statement added, “Following a distress call at a location in Bujum Kasuwa, Lau LGA on 06/09/2018, at about 1430hrs, a team of five policemen led by a Divisional Crime Officer, DCO, ASP Kilobas Iliya accompanied by three vigilantes men were drafted to the area.

“While on their way, they were attacked by suspected herdsmen and consequently, ASP Kilobas Iliya with two others and two vigilantes were killed, while others escaped. Two arms, one AK47 rifle, and one service pistol were carted away by the attackers.

“The state Commissioner of Police, David Akinremi has ordered immediate investigation into the matter, by deploying the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Intelligence and Investigation, DCP Musa Baba to carry out full scale discreet investigation into the matter, while manhunt of the perpetrators of the dastardly act is been embarked upon through massive deployment of more personnel to the affected areas.”