The death toll of the policemen and operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) in the battle with the Ombatse militia group, an Eggon cult in Nassarawa State is now said to have reached 90 persons.
Even though the Nassarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura said that 20 policemen, including an Assistant Commissioner of Police were killed, sources say that out of the 11 trucks of mobile policemen and SSS operatives sent to arrest the leader of the cult, Baba Alakyo and recover arms in his possession, only two trucks returned safely with 20 policemen, out of whom nine had suffered varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
Already, 40 bodies of the dead policemen have been recovered from the forests.
Some of the bodies of the policemen were yesterday brought in to the state capital, Lafia to a large crowd of sympathizers and relatives waiting at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH). Most of the bodies had been burnt beyond recognition.
One of the surviving policemen narrated his ordeal, saying that the militiamen had prior knowledge of their coming and laid siege to the narrow road leading to the Alakyo village, where they were supposed to effect the arrest of their spiritual leader and recover arms said to be in his possession.
According to him, “The road was narrow and they allowed us into their midst before opening fire on us at close range. Effort to return fire and scare them into hiding was futile as bullets did not to penetrate them.”
The police officer added that the militiamen, dressed in black shirts and caps, kept approaching the police amidst heavy gunfire which forced their Hilux vehicle to turn back being the last van on the convoy.
“Due to the nature of the road and ensuing gun duel, our men could not turn back and ten of us in our van were able to manoeuvre our way out but not without sustaining bullet injuries,” he added.
The recuperating officer added that their driver was shot on the leg but lucky enough one of those with him in front could drive and he immediately took over, saying many of the other officers took to the bush but being hugely outnumbered by the militiamen who knew the terrain better, they pursued and killed them.
“As soon as they kill an officer, his rifle was immediately taken off him,” he lamented.
A staff of the Red Cross Society, who spoke on the condition of anonymity who went to evacuate the remains of the victims said the militiamen, who gave conditions that no armed security officer should accompany them, were still keeping close guard in the village. They seized their phones on entry which they returned after the evacuation.
Meanwhile, wives of the slain policemen, on Thursday, blocked the ever–busy Akwanga-Lafia Federal highway for many hours, to show their grievances over the demise of their husbands.
Eyewitnesses said that the women came out in large number, set bonfire along the highway with many of them wailing uncontrollably and raining curses on those who perpetrated the acts.
The protest which was said to have taken place in front of Squadron 38 MOPOL base in Akwanga kept many travelers stranded for many hours. It was exclusively gathered that the Squadron Commandant who went to calm and appeal to the women was allegedly descended on heavily by the women.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Michael Ada, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) confirmed the protest to this correspondent.
According to him, the women were demanding to know what actually happened to their spouses even as they called on the government to ensure that justice was done and the killers arrested and brought to book. The situation is now under control and the road is free.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, cancelled his scheduled visit to Namibia to personally oversee efforts by security agencies to contain the new security challenge in Borno, Nassarawa and Benue states.
Jonathan on a state visit to South Africa, was expected to proceed on a state visit to Namibia in continuation of his investment drive across Africa. A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati said: “In view of recent developments at home, Jonathan has cut short his visit to South Africa and aborted his state visit to Namibia which was due to start today” (yesterday).
He said on arrival, the president will meet with the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of national security services to review the security situation in the country.
Also, as a result of the latest development, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Abubakar declared, yesterday, that the killing with impunity of officers and other members of the rank and file of the force in parts of the country, had reached intolerable stage. He noted that the reign of terror would be brought to an end henceforth.
Abubakar spoke through the Police Public Relations Officer, Frank Mbah in Abuja. He said: “We must put an end to this endless circle of impunity. Enough is enough.”
Also, the House of Representatives, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and the Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam have condemned the killing of the policemen and officials of the Department of State Security, DSS, saying the action was not only unacceptable but also “revolting.”