News Editor
The Nasarawa State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a foiled attack on police personnel by suspected armed assailants on Tuesday, July 9, 2025, at about 10:55 p.m.
A statement issued by Command Public Relations Officer SP Ramhan Nansel said Police operatives on night pin-down duty along the Kadarko–Makurdi Road, near the Nasarawa–Benue border in Keana Local Government Area, came under sudden attack by unidentified gunmen coming from Benue forest axis.
He said the attackers opened sporadic gunfire on the officers in a cowardly ambush explaining that displaying gallantry and tactical superiority, the police operatives engaged the assailants in a fierce gun duel, successfully repelling the attack and forcing the criminals to flee into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
“Unfortunately, one police officer, Inspector Sunday Apochie, sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange. A reinforcement team from the Kadarko Division responded swiftly, rescued the injured officer, and recovered his service AK-47 rifle from the scene.”
The PRO added that tragically, a civilian residing near the scene of the incident was struck by a stray bullet from the bandits and lost his life while
Inspector Apochie was immediately taken to the Primary Health Care Centre, Kadarko, for initial medical attention and was later referred to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding well.”
Ramhan further disclosed that an intensive investigation and manhunt are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The statement also stated that the State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased civilian. He also visited the injured officer at the hospital afterwards, he assured the public “that all necessary measures are being put in place to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice and forestall future occurrences.
