A policeman on duty at the Terminus area of Jos, the Plateau State capital, was killed by a stray bullet on Wednesday.
The incident occurred when a team of policemen faced resistance from hoodlums who defied the State government’s order to vacate the busy neighborhood to ensure the free flow of traffic. The hoodlums, who were displaying second-hand clothes, bags, and other goods on the road, had been repeatedly warned by authorities to cease their activities.
Despite these warnings, the hoodlums resisted the Joint Task Force, which includes personnel from the Police, DSS, NSCDC, Immigration, FRSC, and Operation Rainbow. The Task Force is responsible for maintaining order in the Terminus area. During the confrontation, warning shots were fired to disperse the mob, but a stray bullet struck a policeman, killing him instantly.
The State Police Command spokesman, DSP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the incident, stating, “The Joint Task Force, comprising personnel from the Police, DSS, NSCDC, Immigration, FRSC, and Operation Rainbow, encountered stiff resistance from a mob while conducting a clearance operation today. After all efforts by the team to bring the situation under control proved abortive, an officer from one of the sister agencies fired a warning shot. Unfortunately, one Inspector Emmanuel Tanko with AP. No. 336714, attached to 38PM Akwanga and on special duty in Plateau State Command, was hit by the bullet and died on the spot.”
In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police for Plateau State Command, CP Emmanuel Adesina, visited the scene to assess the situation. The officer who fired the shot was immediately arrested and is currently under investigation at the State CID Jos. Inspector Tanko’s body was taken to Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos for an autopsy.
The State Police Commissioner, Hassan Yabanet, extended condolences to the family of the deceased officer and the entire Nigeria Police Force over the tragic loss of such a diligent and dutiful officer. He urged the public to cooperate with security agencies in the execution of their lawful duties, emphasizing that the laws being enforced are for the general good of all citizens.
