Police inspector, vigilante killed by gunmen in Plateau

Abdulrahman Isah, a police commander, was killed on Monday in an attack by gunrunners in Kwoi village, Mangu LGA of Plateau state.

Hassan Mohammed, a vigilante, was also killed in the attack.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Tuesday, Ubah Ogaba, the state police command spokesman, said the police along with local vigilantes have been deployed in the area after receiving information on activities of gunrunners.

The police spokesman said the gunrunners engaged them in a gun duel which led to the death of the commander and the vigilante.

He said six of the gunrunners were killed in the gun battle.

“On 23/08/2021 at about 1400hrs, the command received credible information about the activity of a notorious syndicate of gunrunners at Kwoi Village, in Mangu LGA of the State. On receipt of the information, the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) based in Mangu, Police Operatives attached to Mangu Division, STF and local vigilante were mobilized and swiftly raced to the area,” the statement reads.

“On sighting the team, the hoodlums engaged them in a gun duel. But because of the tactical operational capability and superior gunfire of the Operatives, six of the hoodlums were neutralized while others fled with various degrees of bullets wounds.

“Exhibits recovered from them include Three AK 47 Rifles with Breach Nos 868, 106076 and 123487.

“Regrettably, one Inspector Abdulrahaman Isah who is the Commander IGP’s Intelligence Response Team based in Mangu and one Hassan Mohammed a local vigilante gallantly paid the supreme price.”

The police spokesman added that investigation on the matter is in progress.

The development comes just days after five people were killed at Chando-Zrrechi village, Miango district of Bassa LGA of Plateau state.

There has been tension in Plateau after 22 travellers returning to Ondo state from Bauchi were killed and another 14 injured along Rukuba highway in Jos North LGA of the state.

Simon Lalong, the state governor, had declared a 24-hour curfew in Jos North and dusk-to-dawn restriction in Jos South and Bassa LGAs.