A Divisional Police Officer and four other people were killed by bandits in an attack that took place in Niger State on Saturday.
The bandits attempted to raid Chibani Market in Munyan Local Government Area, according to a statement from the Police Public Relations Office, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, but were put down by neighbourhood vigilantes.
He further stated that another set of bandits had tried to attack communities around Lambata when they were engaged in a gun battle with security operatives
“Similarly, on Saturday, at about 11am, information was received that bandits were sighted around Kwakuti-Dajigbe area of Lambata, in an attempt to attack some communities around the Gurara LGA.
He stated that the DPO of Paiko police station, Muktar Sabiu and four other officers died in the gun battle with the bandits.
“Combined teams of police from Gawu-Babangida Div and Paiko Div, military, and vigilante members were drafted to the scene, the bandits were engaged in a gun duel and repelled with scores of them being neutralised, while others escaped with bullet injuries.
“Regrettably, the DPO, Paiko, SP Mukhtar Sabiu, and four other policemen from both divisions lost their lives during the gun duel,” the statement read.
