The Taraba State Police Command has accused soldiers of shooting two policemen to death and injuring two others at a military checkpoint near the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Jalingo. According to Abdullahi Usman, the state Police Public Relations Officer, an investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the incident. The soldiers reportedly fled the scene with the policemen’s rifles. The Commissioner of Police and the Commander 6 Brigade have agreed to establish a commission of inquiry into the matter.
The soldiers attacked the police officers at around 8:30 am and fled with their guns. They proceeded to the police command headquarters, where they fired shots into the air. One officer, who was off duty, was killed instantly. Another, who was reporting for duty and unaware of the situation, was also shot.
The police officers who were escorting election results or on other duties are allegedly being harassed and detained at military checkpoints. The incident has caused tension in the state, as security personnel are expected to work together to maintain law and order.
The Police has sighted the incident as a serious violation of the law and that it undermines the efforts of security agencies to ensure safety and security in the state. It is the Police also mentioned that it is imperative that the government investigates the matter and brings the perpetrators to justice. Despite the current situation the Police still believe that security agencies must work together to restore confidence and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.