Criminals shoot DPO in Benue

From: Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Some hoodlums reportedly shot the Divisional Police Officer, DPO Otukpo, Superintendent of Police, Yahaya Pawa.
The incident, according to source, happened early hours of Tuesday when the DPO led his team to arrest suspected criminals at Otukpo-Icho, a suburb of Otukpo area of Benue State.
The suspected criminals were alleged to be selling stolen goods which were looted during the recent fire outbreak in Otukpo.
A source who identified himself as Tony said, “some hoodlums have seized the opportunity of the fire incident in Otukpo main market recently to loot shop owners.
“The lid blew up when the suspects were found to be selling the stolen goods such as clothes and utensils at the community.
“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 DPO is said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Otukpo.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Catherine Anene, a Deputy Superintendent of Police confirmed the incident and said that the DPO is in 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.