File photo: Illustration image of gunmen
Gunmen have reportedly killed a serving officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and abducted a businessman in Pushit community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
PUNCH Metro gathered on Tuesday that the incident occurred at about 9:30 pm on Monday, despite a dusk-to-dawn curfew recently imposed in parts of the area following repeated attacks.
A member of the community, Lawrence Tabitha, who confirmed the attack to journalists in Jos on Tuesday, said that “the deceased, a Deputy Superintendent of the NSCDC, was shot near his residence while riding his motorcycle.”
“The gunmen had earlier abducted a businessman who deals in fuel, cement and fertiliser.
“The attackers opened fire on the NSCDC officer after the headlight of his motorcycle exposed their movement as they were fleeing the area with the abducted businessman.
“The incident has heightened concerns over the security situation in Pushit and surrounding communities despite measures put in place to curb attacks,” Tabitha said.
He urged security agencies and the Plateau State Government “to urgently strengthen security in Pushit District and ensure the safe release of the abducted businessman.”
He said, “Residents are particularly worried by the repeated attacks recorded in communities within the district, including Vodni, Sabon Gari and Nchiya.”
Tabitha appealed to residents “to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.”
Meanwhile, the spokespersons for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, and his counterpart from Operation Enduring Peace, Chinonso Oteh, were yet to respond to inquiries by our correspondent regarding the incident as of the time of filing this report.
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