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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
A Deputy Superintendent of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been killed, while a businessman was abducted by gunmen who attacked Pushit community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Monday, despite a dusk-to-dawn curfew recently imposed in Mangu and two other local government areas following repeated attacks.
The identity of the deceased officer was yet to be ascertained as of press time.
A community member, Lawrence Tabitha, told journalists that the officer was shot dead near his residence while riding his motorcycle.
According to him, the gunmen had earlier abducted a businessman who deals in fuel, cement and fertiliser. The attackers reportedly encountered the NSCDC officer while fleeing with their victim.
Tabitha said the gunmen opened fire on the officer at close range, apparently fearing that he might pursue them.
“The attackers opened fire on the NSCDC officer after the headlight of his motorcycle exposed their movement as they were fleeing the area with the abducted businessman,” he said.
He added that the incident had heightened concerns over the security situation in Pushit and neighbouring communities, despite measures introduced by the authorities to curb the attacks.
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Tabitha urged security agencies and the Plateau State Government to strengthen security in Pushit District and ensure the safe release of the abducted businessman.
“Residents are disturbed that the curfew imposed by the state government is not yielding the expected results. We are really worried about these repeated attacks in Pushit District, including Vodni, Sabon Gari and Nchiya,” he said.
Another resident, who identified himself as Nanpam, said he narrowly escaped being hit by a stray bullet while coming out of his house.
“I ran into the bush when I heard gunshots, but when I came out, I saw the civil defence officer lying in a pool of his own blood,” he said.
Nanpam called for increased vigilance, lamenting that the gunmen appeared undeterred by the curfew.
“This calls for vigilance because these gunmen have no respect for the curfew, as they operate with reckless abandon,” he added.
Efforts to reach the NSCDC spokesperson, Tanko Jonah, for comments were initially unsuccessful, as his phone rang without being answered. He later sent a message stating that he was in a meeting but did not respond to a subsequent message seeking confirmation of the officer’s identity.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, was also unavailable for comment, as his phone could not be reached.
