From Mathew Jwantu,
Minna
Arm banditry in Niger has taken a new dimension as a police inspector, Ibrahim Chibok killed, many others injured in a firefight in kanji village.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Niger, Muhammad Abubakar, in a statement on Monday said Chibok was killed in a cross fire with bandits who attacked Munchiya Kaji Village in Niger state.
The police Public Relation officer further reveal that that two other officers of the Niger State Police Command were injured during the incident which occurred on Sunday in Mariga Local Government Area of the state.
Abubakar said the slain and injured officers were part of joint police and military team who received a distress call that some armed men suspected to be cattle rustlers had stormed Muchiya Kaji village.
He noted that the team responded quickly and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, adding that three bandits were fatally wounded while the others abandoned the cattle and fled into the bush.
“Unfortunately, one Police Inspector, Ibrahim Mitra Chibok, attached to Niger State Police Command died during the encounter, two officers sustained gun wounds and are receiving treatment.
“The Police are on the trail of the armed bandits,” the statement said.
According to Abubakar, the slain police officer was part of the team that engaged bandits and cattle rustlers who invaded Dankolo Village in the same Mariga LGA on Friday last week.
He said the team recovered 13 cattle and fatally wounded three bandits who were later confirmed dead.
“The Niger State Police Command and the Force as a whole deeply regret the demise of the gallant inspector for paying the supreme price in fighting armed banditry in the state.
“The police command joins his friends and loved ones in commiserating with the deceased’s family over his demise. We pray that God Almighty should give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the statement added.
The command’s spokesman disclosed that one AK-47 rifle and a motorcycle were recovered as exhibits.
Recently, Niger state Government through the commissioner for information has reiterated that law on the band on motorcycle from 10pm to 5am is still in place and must be followed strictly.
Investigation last night by our correspondents across the major area in the state capital further revealed that government is making other arrangement with local securities to ensure business close by 10 pm.
A tea seller who said he don’t want his name mentioned confirmed he was served with letter to ensure he close by 10pm.