Stray Bullet Kills Policeman in Jos During Confrontation with Hoodlums

A policeman was killed by a stray bullet on Wednesday while on duty at the Terminus area of Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The incident occurred when a team of policemen faced resistance from hoodlums defying a state government order to vacate the busy neighborhood to ensure free flow of traffic.

Despite repeated warnings, the hoodlums continued to display goods, primarily second-hand clothes and bags, on the road.

The Joint Task Force, comprising personnel from the Police, DSS, NSCDC, Immigration, FRSC, and Operation Rainbow, was tasked with maintaining order in the area.

During the confrontation, warning shots were fired to disperse the mob, but a stray bullet struck and killed a policeman on the spot.

Confirming the incident, the spokesman of the State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, stated, “The Joint Task Force, while conducting a clearance operation, met stiff resistance from a mob.

An officer from one of the sister agencies fired a warning shot, but unfortunately, 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.”

DSP Alabo added, “The Commissioner of Police 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 in Jos.

The victim’s body was taken to the Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos for autopsy.”

The State Police Commissioner, Hassan Yabanet, extended condolences to the family of the deceased officer and the entire Nigeria Police Force.

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 the citizens.