A newly enlisted soldier, identified as Dauda Dedan, is on the run after allegedly stabbing a police constable, Aaron John, to death in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
The incident reportedly occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Monday in Mayo-Goyi, a suburb of Jalingo, during a dispute between the soldier and some residents of the area.
Confirming the development on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, SP James Lashen, said Constable John had responded to a distress call regarding a disagreement involving Dedan.
He was allegedly attacked and fatally stabbed while attempting to intervene.
“The late officer was alerted by residents over a misunderstanding involving the soldier.
In the course of trying to restore order, he was stabbed by the suspect, who fled the scene,” Lashen said.
He added that the Nigerian Army has since launched an investigation and assured the police of full cooperation in apprehending the fugitive.
“We have reported the matter to the 6 Brigade headquarters of the Nigerian Army, and we have received full assurances that efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the suspect,” he said.
Lashen emphasized that relations between the police and the military remain cordial despite the incident, noting that both agencies are working closely to ensure the suspect is brought to justice.