Taraba State was thrown into mourning following the death of a police officer, ASP Tapu Godfrey, who was ambushed and killed by a local vigilante group in Sandirde village, Gassol local government area of the State.
The incident occurred on May 4, 2024, when the vigilante group ambushed a special strike force team attached to the Government House in Jalingo, while they were on a routine patrol. The team was led by SP Jamu Emmanuel.
According to a press statement issued by the State’s Commissioner of Police on Wednesday, David Iloyanomon, “the vigilante group shot sporadically,” injuring Assistant Superintendent Tapu Godfrey, identified as “AP/NO 191462,” in the lap.
Shortly after the ambush, detectives from the Gassol division, led by the DCO, rushed to the scene and transported Godfrey to the General Hospital Sandirde for medical treatment. Tragically, medical personnel confirmed him dead upon arrival.
The following day, the Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations, and personnel from 40PMF Jalingo embarked on a fact-finding mission to Gassol.
They met with stakeholders to strategise on how to apprehend the attackers and develop a roadmap to enhance security in the local government area.
Describing the unprovoked attack as “despicable and unwarranted,” the State Police Command has since deployed intelligence and operational resources to ensure that the fleeing attackers were apprehended and brought to justice.
The Police Command offered condolences to the family and friends of the deceased officer and assured the public that “no stone will be left unturned in combating crime and criminality.”
