YOLA, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen yesterday invaded four towns in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, killing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Vunokilang Police Station and 62 others.
However, there was a conflicting report last night that the gunmen were suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
The Nation learnt that more than 200 suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked four towns, namely Demsare, Wunamokoh, Dikajam and Taboungo and parts of Fawore at dawn, killing people.
The DPO, the late CSP Okozie Okereofor, who had just spent two months in the command, was transferred from Okigwe in Imo State.
An eyewitness said he was ambushed with his team, who moved into the communities to quell crises.
A community leader, P.P. Elisha, said Okozie led his men to the areas and suspected Fulani herdsmen surrounded his vehicle and killed him.
The bodies of the police officer and others have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Yola.
Confirming the killings, police spokesman Othman Abubakar said the DPO and his men were attacked on official duty by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
He added that reports indicated that the attackers looted the villagers’ foodstuff and livestock before setting their homes ablaze.
