One Killed, Another Injured as Bandits Attack Communities, Rustle Livestock in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
One person was killed and another injured when suspected armed bandits attacked Keluje/Yaula and Kulodo villages in Cross River, police have said.
Police sources said the attack occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on July 2 when a large number of armed bandits invaded the remote communities, firing sporadically and rustling an unspecified number of domestic animals.
The sources said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), on receiving the report, mobilised tactical teams, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Anti-Kidnapping operatives and personnel from the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the affected communities.
According to the sources, one resident, identified as Malam Aliyu, 50, of Yaula village, was shot dead during the attack, while another resident, Malam Tunau, 45, sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg.
The sources said the deceased’s body was evacuated to a hospital for autopsy, while the injured victim was receiving medical treatment.
They added that joint security teams were combing the surrounding bushes to recover the rustled livestock and apprehend the fleeing attackers.
The police further said neighbouring divisions had been placed on alert to intercept the suspects, while confidence-building patrols had been intensified in the affected communities to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
