Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
The Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Sani Musa, has described as unfortunate, the Sunday’s bloody attacks by bandits on some parts of Gurara and Paikoro local government areas of the state.

The bandits, who were operating in the state, carried out a series of attacks and killed a Divisional Police Officer and four of his men.

The Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development.

He said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Paiko, headquarters of Paikoro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, Mukhtar Sabiu, and four other police officers were killed by the terrorists.

He said the victims were shot dead along Kwakuti village, Minna-Suleja road.

He told journalists that the DPO and his men were killed in a gun duel.

Musa in his reaction to the unfortunate incident through a statement by his Campaign Organisation appreciated the gallantry of the policemen and condemned in strong terms, the incessant attacks on communities by the bandits.

He commiserated with the state police command and condoled the families of security officers who lost their lives during the attack.

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The Senator described the attack as one too many to bear.

The Senator assured his constituents that as a representative of Niger East Senatorial Zone, he would continue to work assiduously with relevant security agencies to ensure security in the zone.

He also expressed concern and pain over the attacks that have distorted economic activities in the Niger East known for its contribution to the food security of the country.

Musa said, “We will continue to work and encourage security agents to go after the hoodlums and end banditry in our Senatorial zone, they may try our will and think they are succeeding but Allah SWT will continue to guide us to end their nefarious act

“I pray that Allah SWT grant the deceased officers’ eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the senator concluded.

The Police spokesperson in the state, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, however, said the command was still on the trail of the bandits.

Abiodun said, “At about 1100hrs, information was received that armed bandits were sighted around Kwakuti-Dajigbe villages’ area of Lambata, in an attempt to attack some communities around Gurara LGA.

“Combined teams of police from Gawu-Babangida Div and Paiko Div, military, and vigilante members were drafted to the scene, the hoodlums were engaged in a gun duel and repelled with scores of them being neutralized, while others escaped with bullet injuries,” he said.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that bandits in their numbers blocked the Minna-Abuja road around 10am on Sunday for several hours, forcing many travellers to return home.

One of them, a transporter said, “In our parks in Minna and Jabi, Abuja, passengers were scarce because when people heard what happened, many people went back home. Before I could get passengers from Minna to Abuja, it was around 1pm.

“Our colleagues who were caught on the road said bandits were in large numbers somewhere around Kwakuti with hundreds of cattle. So, they had to return to Minna and from there, many passengers postponed their journeys.

“I did not leave until I heard that they had crossed to the other side. If you had gone to Jabi Park yesterday, you wouldn’t have seen many passengers going to Minna,” he said.

Obaseki condemns killing of Police officers in Delta

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has condemned the attack and killing of officers of the Delta State Police Command, who were attacked while on official duty.

The governor, in a statement, expressed shock over the killing of the officers who served in the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit in Delta State Government House and prayed for the repose of their souls.

Obaseki, who described the attack as dastardly and unconscionable, commiserated with the Delta State Police Command and the families of the victims of the attack.

According to the governor, “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the attack and killing of officers attached to the EOD Unit in Government House, Delta State. I express deep-felt condolences to the Delta State Police Command and the families of the officers.

“It is most disheartening to hear of the sad incident. I pray for the repose of the souls of the victims of the attack.”

The governor charged security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that justice is served to bring closure to the families of the affected officers.