A Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Otukpo, Benue state, Yahaya Pawa, has escaped death after some hoodlums reportedly shot at him during an operation.
According to a source, who identified himself simply as Tony, the DPO, a Superintendent of Police, had led his team, early hours of Tuesday, to arrest suspected criminals at Otukpo-Icho, a suburb of Otukpo area of Benue State, when the incident happened.
The source said the suspected criminals were spotted selling stolen goods which were looted during the recent fire outbreak which destroyed shops at the Otukpo Main Market.
He said “Some hoodlums had seized the opportunity of the fire incident in Otukpo main market to loot the shops.
“The lead blew up when the suspects were found to be selling the stolen goods such as clothes and utensils at the community.
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“People in the community decided to inform policemen and a team of policemen led by the DPO embarked on search operation early hours of today (Tuesday).
“In the process of arresting some suspects, they (suspected criminals) shot at the DPO and ran away.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Catherine Anene confirmed the incident and said that the DPO was in a stable condition.
“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 stable condition,” Anene said.
