Gunmen kill NSCDC operative in Adamawa, abduct two PhD students

An operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) died during an attack on a residential building in Yola, the Adamawa capital by gunmen.

Recall that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Thursday November 5, stormed a residence in Mbamba, a community on the outskirts of Yola town and abducted two persons after shooting a vigilante.

The vigilante died on the scene of the attack while the NSCDC official identified as Solomon Joshua later died in the hospital.

The kidnapped victims are said to be PhD students of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola.

The attack was earlier reported to have occurred at the residence of Speaker, Adamawa State House of Assembly, Aminu Iya-Abass. However, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon Japhet Kefas, debunked the report while speaking with journalists.

“I want to make it clear that nothing like that happened (at the Speaker’s residence). How can you write such a lie about somebody who represents a community and represents the whole Assembly? We are not happy.” he said.

Spokesperson of the Adamawa Police Command, DSP Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the attack in Mbamba, on Sunday, November 8, but did not specify ownership of the affected residence.

Nguroje said that the vigilante died at the scene of the attack while the NSCDC official died from wounds he sustained from the gunmen.

Confirming the incident, Adamawa Command Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Mansur Sajor, said the operative died while medics were battling to save him.

“We understand that some gunmen went to a house to kidnap somebody. Our officer was among security operatives from different outfits drafted there under Operation Farauta. Our officer was shot during an exchange of fire against the kidnappers,” he said.

Meanwhile, a colleague of the deceased official, Zahraddeen Yusuf Sikima took to Facebook to mourn him.

“Rip oga Solomon Joshua like play like play you have gone forever. I wish to Allahu gives us endure of your lose. You’re the number 3 in our beloved unit who pass away. My special Condolences to your families members and that of our CG AM GANA. And to our state commandant entirely our great unit provost/Quarter Guard and arms” he wrote.