By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia
A bandit attack in the Kadarko community of Keana Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, has left one civilian dead and a police inspector injured following a foiled ambush on a night patrol team.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Nasarawa State Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday and made available to journalists in Lafia.
According to the statement, the assailants—believed to be armed bandits—laid an ambush along the Kadarko Road, a volatile border corridor between Nasarawa and Benue States. The attackers reportedly opened fire on police operatives during a routine patrol, prompting a gunfight.
“In the ensuing gun duel, our officers repelled the attackers, forcing them to retreat into the forest with possible gunshot wounds,” Nansel stated.
However, Inspector Sunday Apochie sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange. A reinforcement team from the Kadarko Division was quickly deployed, successfully evacuating the injured officer and recovering his service AK-47 rifle.
Tragically, a civilian residing near the scene was hit by a stray bullet fired by the fleeing bandits and died instantly.
The Nasarawa Police Command has since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects. The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the command’s resolve to apprehend the perpetrators.
CP Mohammed also visited the wounded officer, who is currently receiving treatment at the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital.
The Police Command has urged residents to remain calm and assured the public of its ongoing efforts to strengthen security presence in the area and prevent further attacks.