The Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris has ordered for a betting burial for four slain police officers killed by armed bandits in Kaduna on Saturday.
The IGP who released a statement on the gallantry of the slain officers also ordered the immediate payment of all entitlements to the families and next of kin, with a promise to bring justice on their behalf.
The four officers according to report, were ambushed and killed coming from a rescue mission after one Sheikh Ahmad Adam Algarkawy was kidnapped in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State on Saturday, subsequent his release after a ransom was allegely paid.
The Police were reported to have been ambushed after completing their rescue mission, and as they were coming out from the bush, other alleged gang members of the kidnapping group opened fire on them and four officers were killed, and one injured and receiving treatment. The Police also killed about six of the bandits, while one escaped with gunshot wounds.
The names of the late officers were given as:
AP/No. 148333 Inspr. Benard Odibo
AP/No. 181539 Inspr. Mamman Abubakar
AP/No. 192938 Inspr. Haruna Ibrahim
F/No. 267815 Sgt. Emmanuel Istifanus
The Police Statement reads:
“The IGP mourn their death, describing it as unfortunate, while also describing them as Heroes of the Force who laid down their lives and paid the supreme price in ensuring the protection of lives and property and law and order in the Country.
The Team Leader and other personnel of the IGP-IRT repelled the attack and killed 6 of the bandits but unfortunately lost these 4 gallant and committed Police officers in the process.
The Police reported that some catches of firearms and ammunition were recovered from the bandits’ hideouts in Rigasa forest.
The IGP has since directed befitting burials for the deceased officers and prompt processing and payments of the life assurance benefits and other entitlements to their families.
Meanwhile, massive raids and assaults on the other bandits still at large in the Rigasa Forest are ongoing to bring them to justice.
The Nigeria Police Force despite this unfortunate attack and killing of these Policemen will not relent in ensuring that crimes and criminalities are brought to the barest in the country.”