A tragic confrontation between operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and suspected cultists has claimed the life of a police officer and a local vigilante in the Bakassi area of Yimitu Village, located along the Apo-Waru axis of Abuja.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 24, during a targeted security operation.
Acting on a series of distress reports from residents regarding persistent criminal activities and cult-related violence in the area, the police, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, launched a coordinated crime prevention patrol in Yimitu.
During the patrol, the team encountered a large gathering believed to be that of the notorious cult group responsible for the unrest in the community. On sighting the approaching security operatives, the suspects immediately opened fire, prompting a gun battle.
In the ensuing shootout, nineteen (19) suspects were apprehended and detained at the Waru Police Outstation. Several others fled the scene with varying degrees of injuries. Unfortunately, a police officer and a vigilante sustained critical gunshot wounds and were rushed to the hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
In a brazen retaliatory act, the fleeing cultists later regrouped and launched a violent attack on the Waru Police Outstation in a bid to free their arrested members. The attackers vandalized sections of the police facility, destroyed three patrol Hilux vans, and damaged six privately owned vehicles parked within the premises.
However, the attempted jailbreak was foiled as police reinforcements arrived promptly and successfully repelled the attackers. The situation has since been brought under control, and security has been restored to the area.
Confirming the incident to journalists, the FCT Police Command spokesperson, CSP Josephine Adeh, stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, has condemned the violent assault in strong terms. He warned that any act of aggression against police personnel or facilities would be met with the full force of the law.
CP Adewale also assured residents that the police would intensify efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects still at large and bring them to justice. He reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the territory.
The FCT Police Command called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals through the following emergency numbers: 08032003913 and 08028940883.
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