A police officer, Inspector Philemon Akawu, has been confirmed dead after gunmen attacked a police van on routine patrol in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Akawu, who was part of a special security operation attached to the Department of Operations (DOPS) responding to rising unrest in the area, was killed by the gunmen in Yelwa Nono village, a few meters away from the security post.
Confirming the killing, the Plateau Police Command revealed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bokkos led a team to the scene, where Akawu’s lifeless body was recovered and later deposited at Luna Hospital morgue.
“The Command is doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice,” said a senior officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We have launched a full investigation and are working with locals to track down the killers.”
Meanwhile, in Abuja, a police surveillance operation turned deadly after a senior officer was killed and others wounded during a violent ambush by hoodlums.
The attack occurred during a night raid by a joint team made up of police officers and members of the local vigilante group, Destiny Hunters. The operation, based on intelligence reports, targeted suspected criminal hideouts in Bakasi Yimitu Village.
But instead of a swift crackdown, the security team walked into a trap with a security analyst sources familiar with the mission, revealing that the officers were overwhelmed when the suspects launched a sudden and coordinated assault.
“They went straight for the commanders,” the source disclosed, revealing that Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Amos Biko and Destiny Hunters’ leader, Philibus, sustained serious injuries.
All wounded officers were rushed to Shekworhishama Hospital for emergency treatment. Unfortunately, DSP Biko did not survive his injuries and was later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi for official documentation.
However, in the wake of the violence, Police security forces carried out arrests, detaining 19 suspects believed to be connected to the raid.
But two of the suspects died before receiving medical attention at Asokoro General Hospital. Their remains have been deposited at the hospital morgue.
