The Police in Adamawa have confirmed the killing of a Divisional Police Office (DPO) and 29 other civilian by suspected headsmen.

The Police in Adamawa have confirmed the killing of a Divisional Police Office (DPO) and 29 other civilian by suspected headsmen.

CSP Okozie Okereofor, who was the DPO in charge of Vunoklang in Gerei Local Government area of Adamawa State was leading other police men to the attacked community but was ambushed.

29 other civilians also died in the attack that took place in the early hours of Sunday, Adamawa State Police Public Relations officer (PPRO), Othman Abubakar has confirmed.

He said villages attacked were Demsare, Wunomokoli, Dikajam and Taboungo. According to Abubakar, the DPO and his men were on an official assignment to the disputed villages but were attacked. “The DPO and 29 other civilians were killed,” Othman added.

 A resident, who blamed the attack on herdsmen, believed they were on a revenge mission to the affected villages following what he described as restiveness between herders and farmers.

“The DPO remains and that of 29 other civilian were deposited at the Federal Medical Centre Mortuary in Yola,” Sani Bala said adding, “Other victims who sustained injuries are receiving treatments at the same hospital.” 

Acting brigade commander of 23 army brigades Yola, Col. Aba Popoola while confirming the incident said military personnel have been deployed to the areas.

Haruna Haruna contributed reporting from Yola