Table of Contents
- Incident Overview
- Injuries Sustained by Officers
- Suspects Arrested
- Police Response
- Commissioner of Police Statement
Two police officers have been injured following an attack by suspected herders in the Gulani Local Government Area of Yobe State.
According to a statement from the state police spokesperson, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the incident occurred on October 29, near Kojoli village when officers from the Police Mobile Force (PMF) responded to a distress call regarding herders invading rice farms with their cattle.
“Community members reported that a group of herders had allegedly trespassed onto rice farms with large herds of cattle, intentionally damaging crops,” the statement noted.
The police team, led by the Unit Commander of the 19 PMF, quickly arrived at the scene but “were ambushed by the herders who opened fire with AK-47 rifles, bows, and arrows, before fleeing into the bush.”
Two officers—Sergeant Abdullahi Aminu and Corporal Aliyu Suleiman—sustained machete injuries to their heads, arms, and legs.
“They were promptly evacuated to General Hospital, Bara, where they are currently receiving medical treatment,” the police confirmed.
During the attack, one of the officers’ rifles was taken by the suspects, while another was recovered. The police also retrieved several cattle belonging to the fleeing herders, which were subsequently escorted back to Kojoli village with the assistance of local vigilantes.
One suspect, identified as Mohammed Bello, was apprehended “in possession of a blood-stained cutlass” and is currently aiding the ongoing investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Ado, condemned the attack, emphasizing that the command is dedicated to maintaining peace and justice.
“The Command will not tolerate violence, attacks on police personnel, destruction of farms, or illegal grazing,” CP Ado stated. “We are committed to fostering peaceful coexistence and justice for all parties involved.”
He directed the deployment of tactical teams in the area “to prevent escalation and maintain peace,” urging both farmers and herders to report disputes early and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Yobe State?
Two police officers were injured in an attack by suspected herders while responding to a distress call about cattle invading rice farms.
What injuries did the officers sustain?
The officers sustained machete injuries to their heads, arms, and legs and were taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
What actions did the police take following the attack?
The police recovered some cattle belonging to the fleeing herders and arrested one suspect who was found with a blood-stained cutlass.
What is the police's stance on such attacks?
The Commissioner of Police condemned the attack and reiterated the command's commitment to maintaining peace and justice in the area.
