Benue DPO shot in attempt to stop looters selling off loot”

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Otukpo, SP Yahaya Pawa, was early hours of Tuesday shot by suspected criminals in a suburb of Otukpo in Benue State.

Daily Trust gathered that the police officer had led his team to effect the arrest of some suspected criminals in Otukpo-Icho community when the incident occurred.

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It was learnt that the alleged suspects participated in looting items from Otukpo main market when it was engulfed with fire last week and were allegedly selling off the stolen goods when the police arrived at the scene.

Witnesses alleged that the suspects were reportedly selling the looted items from traders shop which includes clothes and household utensils at the community outskirts Otukpo town when the police were informed.

The witnesses further explained that the police were in the process of arresting the suspects when they (suspected criminals) shot at the DPO and took to their heels.

Contacted, the Benue Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi.

Anene, “it is true that Otukpo DPO was shot when he led a team of policemen on operation, he was shot in the arm but he is in a stable condition.”