Policeman , three others killed as military, police personnel exchange gunshots near collation centre

  

A police man and three  other persons have been confirmed dead during a clash between policemen and military personnel at a collation centre in Taraba state in the early hour of today.  State Police Command confirmed the exchange of gunshots between the personnel of the Nigerian army and the police Force in Taraba State capital Jalingo. 

Although the reason for the clash was not revealed, the comissioner of Police  Taraba state police command CP Yusuf Amodu stated  that it was a minor disagreement that led to the escalation of the incident which resulted to the killing of one police officer and the injury of three others . The police authority revealed the incident during  a joint media briefing by the heads of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army Jalingo and the Taraba State police command.

CP Amodu stated " The Taraba State Police Command regrets the unfortunate incident that occurred this morning 20th March 2023, which led to a clash between the Military and the Nigerian Police Force Taraba State Command.

It was a minor disagreement that led to the escalation of the incident, this incident is a dent to the collaboration and mutual trust that both the Army and Police in Taraba State have enjoyed" 

The CP  however called on the residents of Jalingo and beyond to go about their normal activities as the two Organizations has set up an investigative committee to look into the major courses of the incident.

"While assuring the citizens of Taraba State to go about their daily activities, the high command of both Organizations have setup a joint investigation team to look into the root course of the matter with a view to ensuring that the erriing personnel are brought to book, all effort are in place to support the on going Electoral process and to see to it successful conclusion" 

The Police Commissioner further stated that the security agencies will continue to professionally discharge their duities.

Our Correspondent also reports that both the Army and the Police Force have since withdrew their personnel from the INEC office in Jalingo, which is also the venue for the collation of results for the Gubernatorial Elections in Taraba State.