At least three policemen and four civilians have been killed during a violent assault by bandits in Tor-Damisa community, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, leaving residents in panic and the community reeling from heavy casualties.
It was gathered that the bandits stormed the area in large numbers, firing indiscriminately, causing confusion and forcing many residents to flee their homes for safety.
A local source confirmed that the situation escalated rapidly, with several people abandoning their homes and seeking refuge in safer locations.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Command, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said the command received a distress call from a resident, Zaki Orbanga of Tordamisa Akate Ward, reporting that suspected armed bandits had attacked Tse Kwe village.
A team of officers, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Donga and supported by the Special Forces, was immediately dispatched.
“On arrival, the suspected bandits opened fire on the police team, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire. The officers responded swiftly and repelled the attackers,” Mshelizah said.
He confirmed that CPL Raphael Danjuma and PC Ebenezer Daniel were fatally shot in the line of duty, while PC Samuel Bawa, initially reported missing, was later found dead in a nearby bush. The body of Nutsa Tyav, a 60-year-old chairman of the local vigilante group, was also recovered following the attack.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Isokpan Otimenyin, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the brave officers and the vigilante member who paid the supreme price while protecting the state and the nation. The command extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures them that their sacrifice will not be forgotten,” the police spokesperson added.