An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Aminu Nuhu, and three bandits late on Tuesday lost their lives in an exchange of gunfire when men of the Taraba State Police Command and suspected bandits clashed on the hills of Yorro and Mararaba Kunini in Yorro and Lau local governments.
Police spokesman Usman Abdullahi, who confirmed this to reporters, said the security team invaded the kidnappers’ den to rescue the 23 persons that were kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday.
A Monarch and 20 others were in the early hours of Tuesday kidnapped at Pupule community of Yorro Council.
“During the encounter, we lost one of our officers, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, one star. Three of the bandits were killed and four were arrested, while others escaped,” Abdullahi said.
Also an operative, who was part of the operation, said on sighting the policemen, the bandits opened fire on them and the policemen replied.
He said: “At the end of the encounter, which lasted over 30 minutes, three of the bandits were shot dead, while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
“Unfortunately, one of our vibrant officers, Aminu Nuhu, lost his life during the gun duel.”
Governor Agbu Kefas has expressed sadness over the death of the police officer, promising that “his death will not be in vain.”
