Gunmen suspected to be bandits have shot dead a police officer, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Godwin Otse, along Otobi Road in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. The killing has again drawn attention to the rising level of insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where security personnel and civilians continue to face deadly attacks.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening while the police officer was travelling in a private vehicle with his younger brother. According to reports, the attack happened at about 5:45 p.m. when the gunmen suddenly opened fire on their car.
A security source confirmed that the incident was officially reported to the police at about 6:45 p.m. on January 11. The report was made by a family member of the deceased, who narrated how the tragic event unfolded.
According to the source, “The incident was reported by a family member of the deceased, who stated that he was travelling with his elder brother, ASP Godwin O. Otse, a Police Special Constable attached to the Kano State Police Command, when their ash-coloured Honda Accord saloon car came under attack at about 5:45 p.m.”
The attackers were said to be armed and dressed in army camouflage, a tactic often used by criminals to deceive victims and avoid suspicion. The source added that the assailants opened fire on the vehicle without warning.
“The assailants, said to be armed bandits dressed in army camouflage, opened fire on the vehicle, fatally wounding ASP Otse,” the source said.
ASP Otse reportedly sustained serious gunshot wounds during the attack. His brother, who survived the incident, raised an alarm and sought help immediately. The injured officer was rushed to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for urgent medical attention.
Despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life, the officer was confirmed dead while receiving treatment at the hospital. His body was later deposited at the hospital mortuary.
“He was rushed to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where he was confirmed dead while receiving treatment. The corpse was deposited at the hospital mortuary, while police recovered the deceased officer’s identity card at the scene,” the security source disclosed.
ASP Godwin Otse was attached to the Kano State Police Command but was said to be in Benue State at the time of the attack. Details surrounding the purpose of his journey were not immediately made public. His death has come as a shock to colleagues, family members, and residents of the area.
The Otobi Road, where the attack took place, is a key route in Otukpo Local Government Area. In recent times, residents have complained about poor security along the road, especially in the evenings. Many travellers have described the area as dangerous due to frequent reports of robbery and attacks by armed groups.
Benue State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has faced various security challenges over the years. While the state is often associated with clashes between farmers and herders, cases of banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery have also been reported in several local government areas.
The killing of ASP Otse adds to the growing list of security personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty or while travelling. Across the northern part of the country, gunmen have increasingly targeted police officers, soldiers, and other security agents, sometimes ambushing them on highways or attacking patrol teams.
In recent years, the Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly warned the public to be cautious and report suspicious movements, especially when armed men are seen operating without clear identification or official vehicles. The force has also carried out operations to arrest criminals found with military uniforms.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Benue State Police Command on the killing. However, sources say investigations have begun to track down the attackers and bring them to justice.
Residents of Otukpo have expressed fear and sadness over the incident, calling on the government to improve security in the area. Many believe that increased patrols, checkpoints, and intelligence gathering are needed to prevent further attacks on travellers.
The death of ASP Godwin Otse highlights the continued danger faced by security personnel in Nigeria, even outside active operations. It also reflects the wider security challenges confronting the country, particularly in the northern regions.