Terror In Plateau: Gunmen Kill Police Inspector, Seize Rifle In Daring Attack

An Inspector of the Nigeria Police Force, Yakubu Dauda, has been reportedly shot dead and his service rifle taken by gunmen during a recent violent attack in Chwelnyap Rim, a community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The tragic incident was confirmed by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Riyom LGA, David Tsado, during a visit by the fact-finding committee set up by Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to investigate the root causes of persistent violence across the state.

According to Tsado, the ambush occurred on Monday while officers were on a security operation in the area. He explained that the officers were unexpectedly attacked by a large group of armed assailants, resulting in the death of Inspector Dauda.

“The operation was in response to a security alert in the area. Unknown to our men, gunmen had laid an ambush. As they moved in to trace the source of the threat, the attackers opened fire, killing Inspector Yakubu Dauda. His body has been taken to the hospital,” Tsado said.

He added that although additional personnel were deployed by the Commissioner of Police the following day (Tuesday) to confront the attackers, they encountered heavy resistance and were forced to retreat.

Chairman of the fact-finding committee, Major General Nicholas Rogers, said the team visited the community to understand the triggers of the repeated attacks and seek local input on how to restore peace.

“This is a dire situation. We are here to understand the problems and receive suggestions from stakeholders to find lasting solutions,” Rogers told journalists.

Community leaders and youth representatives informed the committee that several villages had been attacked in recent weeks, leading to the death of at least nine people and the destruction of 33 homes. They expressed hope that the committee’s efforts would bring an end to the ongoing violence.