Police Kicks As Soldier Guns Down DPO In Zamfara, Demands Justice

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The well known spirit of camaraderie between the Army and Police is under serious threat in Zamfara State.

This followed the alleged gunning down of a Divisional Police Officer, DPO, at a military checkpoint by a soldier on Wednesday.

The officer, Haliru Liman, was said to be on his way to Kebbi State for a monthly Conference when the incident occurred.

A statement issued on Thursday August 29, 2024, by the Zamfara State Police Command Spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed that the DPO died of gunshot injuries after being fired at by the said soldier.

According to the Police statement, the DPO was on his to a meeting in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State Capital before tragedy struck.

The incident, according to the Police Spokesman, occurred in Danmarke area in Bukkuyum local Council of Zamfara state.

The military personnel allegedly involved in the tragic incident, is attached to the Operation Dadarin Daji, tasked with the job of combating banditry activities  in the state.

The Source reports that Zamfara state ,as lately attested to by Governor  Dauda Lawal has been one of the epicenters of banditry and other associated criminal activities in the North West region

Abubakar noted that the DPO was still gunned down despite identifying himself.

According to him, the Zamfara State Police Authorities are calling for a comprehensive investigation into the unfortunate incident, with a view to unraveling the true circumstances surrounding it.

The Zamfara Police Command is also demanding that all those found culpable be brought to justice.

“On August 28, 2024, at  approximately 1030 hours, the DPO, SP Liman, was brutally murdered by military personnel led by one Has San attached to OPHD sector 6 ,Dan’marke area of Bukkuyum Zamfara state.

“The circumstances surrounding this heinous crime are alarming and unacceptable. SP Liman was on his way to attend a monthly Conference in Birnin Kebbi, and was stopped by military personnel despite identifying himself as a police officer.

“In a shocking display of aggression Hassan pointed his gun at SP Liman and shot him in the head, resulting in his instant death .

“We condemn this unprovoked attack in the strongest possible terms and demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

“The military actions are a  clear violation of the rules of engagement and the principles of inter-agency cooperation .

“We urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address this egregious incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” part of the police statement reads.