JUST IN: Lawmaker mourns cops killed by terrorists in Niger

The Senator representing the Niger East Senatorial District, Sani Musa, has described as unfortunate the Sunday’s attacks by terrorists on some parts of Gurara and Paikoro local government areas of the state that led to the death of a District Police Officer and four others.

The bandits, who were operating in the state, carried out a series of attacks on Sunday and killed a Divisional Police Officer and four other officers.

The Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development.

He lamented that the DPO of Paiko, headquarters of the Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, Mukhtar Sabiu, and four other police officers were killed by the terrorists.

He said the victims were shot dead in a gun battle along Kwakuti village, Minna-Suleja road.

Musa, in his reaction to the incident through a statement by his Campaign Organisation, praised the gallantry of the policemen and condemned in strong terms the incessant attacks on communities by the bandits.

He commiserated with the state police command and condoled with the families of security officers who lost their lives during the attack.

The senator described the attack as one too many to bear.

He assured his constituents that as a representative of the Niger East Senatorial Zone, he would continue to work assiduously with relevant security agencies to ensure security in the zone.

He also expressed concern and pain over the attacks that have distorted economic activities in Niger East known for its contribution to the food security of the country.

Musa said, “We will continue to work and encourage security agents to go after the hoodlums and end banditry in our senatorial zone. They may try our will and think they are succeeding but Allah SWT will continue to guide us to end their nefarious act.

“I pray that Allah SWT grant the deceased officers eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the senator concluded.

The police spokesperson in the state, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, however, said the command was still on the trail of the bandits.

Abiodun said, “At about 1100hrs, information was received that armed bandits were sighted around Kwakuti-Dajigbe villages’ area of Lambata, in an attempt to attack some communities around Gurara LGA.

“I did not leave until I heard that they had crossed to the other side. If you had gone to Jabi park yesterday, you wouldn’t have seen many passengers going to Minna.” he added.