A tragic incident unfolded on Monday in the Mayo-Goyi community of Jalingo, Taraba State, as a newly recruited soldier identified as Dauda Dedan allegedly stabbed a police officer, Aaron John, to death.
The spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, Abdullahi Usman, who confirmed the incident, stated that the late officer had responded to a distress call from local residents regarding a confrontation involving the soldier.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), the altercation escalated and resulted in Officer John being fatally stabbed by the soldier.
“The officer was alerted by members of the community over a dispute they had with the soldier. Sadly, while trying to intervene, he was attacked and stabbed,” the PPRO said.
The suspect is currently on the run, but the Nigerian Army has launched a full-scale manhunt to apprehend him. Usman noted that the matter has been formally reported to the 6 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo.
“We have received assurances from the military authorities that the soldier will be tracked down and made to face the full weight of the law,” he stated. “Both the army and the police are working in close collaboration to ensure justice is served. We have already visited the suspect’s residence as part of ongoing efforts to locate and arrest him.”
The PPRO further emphasised that despite the unfortunate incident, the working relationship between the police and the military in Taraba State remains strong and cooperative.
The police have appealed to the public to remain calm while investigations continue, assuring that the suspect will not evade justice.
