The Taraba State Police Command has launched a full scale investigation into a violent incident that left two men d3ad, including a forest guard, in Lau local government area of the state.
Acting Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Victor Mshelizah, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
According to preliminary findings, the incident began when a forest guard, identified as Jerry Jimmy, arrested a male suspect while on duty.
During the arrest, a confrontation reportedly broke out, and the suspect allegedly st@bbed the guard in the chest with a concealed knife, inflicting fatal injuries.
The suspect, later identified as Ya’u Jaro Saidu of Jegem Village in Lau local government, was subsequently attacked and k!lled by a mob in retaliation.
“The Taraba State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that today, 14th April 2026 at about 0900 hours, the Commissioner of Police, CP Moorkwap Sebastian Dongshal psc(+), visited the scene of a tragic incident at Mararaban Kunini, Lau Local Government Area for an on-the-spot assessment,” the statement read.
“The incident involved a case of culpable homicide/death by mob action resulting in the death of one Jerry Jimmy, a forest guard attached to Lau LGA, and one Ya’u Jaro Saidu of Jegem Village, Lau LGA.
“Preliminary findings revealed that the deceased forest guard, while on duty, arrested an unidentified male suspect alleged to be of Fulani extraction.
“In the course of the arrest, an altercation ensued between them.
“During the confrontation, the suspect, who was armed with a knife concealed on his person, allegedly st@bbed the forest guard on the chest, leading to fatal injuries.
“Subsequently, the suspect, now identified as Ya’u Jaro Saidu of Jegem Village, Lau LGA, was reportedly attacked by a mob and k!lled in retaliation.
“Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police also held a brief meeting with leaders of the Fulani and Jenjo communities in the area.
“During the engagement, the CP strongly admonished all parties to eschew violence, avoid taking the law into their hands, and embrace peaceful coexistence.”
“The community leaders, in their responses, pledged to maintain peace and live together in harmony, assuring the Command of their cooperation in maintaining law and order.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed a full-scale investigation into the incident, with a view to identifying and apprehending all those involved in both the st@bbing and the subsequent mob action, to ensure that justice is served.
“The Taraba State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
“The Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.”
