The Nasarawa State Police Command successfully repelled an attack by suspected armed assailants on its personnel around 10:55 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2025.
According to a press release on Thursday, July 10, 2025, signed by the Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, 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 the Benue forest axis. The attackers opened sporadic gunfire on the officers in a cowardly ambush.
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.
“Tragically, a civilian residing near the scene of the incident was struck by a stray bullet from the bandits and lost his life.
“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.
An intensive investigation and manhunt are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, the 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 and provided him with succour. 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.
