Two people lost their lives on Sunday in the Obi local government area of Nasarawa State following a violent clash between an army officer and a police special constable at Agyaragu Market.
According to reports, the incident began around 12:30 PM during an investigation into a stolen motorcycle.
In a statement from the state Police Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, it was confirmed that after the motorcycle theft was reported, police officers apprehended a suspect at Agyaragu Market. The arrest involved a regular police officer and a special constable from the Jenkwe Division.
While the officers were transporting the suspect to the police station, a soldier, who was reportedly on leave from his post in Borno State, intervened in an attempt to stop the arrest. The soldier, whose name has not been revealed, assaulted the officers and then drew a knife, injuring the police special constable.
“In self-defense, the soldier was overpowered, and his knife was used against him. They both sustained varying degrees of injuries, and the wounded soldier was subsequently confirmed dead,” Nansel said in the statement.
Following the incident, a group of local youths reportedly gathered and attacked the police station, setting it on fire. In response, the police confronted the attackers, injuring three of them, one of whom was later confirmed dead.
“Upon receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Nadada, immediately visited the scene alongside Military personnel from Operation Whirl Stroke, 177 Guards Battalion, and 22 Quick Response Unit. He promptly deployed units from the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorist Unit, and other tactical units to restore order,” the police statement added.
The situation in the area is now reportedly calm, and police investigations are ongoing. The Commissioner of Police has also ordered a manhunt to locate those responsible for the violence.