5th March, 2012
Gunmen, believed to be Boko Haram militants, have attacked the Kano home of the Imo state commissioner of police, Mohammed Jinjiri Abubakar, killing at least two officers on guard, authorities said.
The senior officer was not believed to have been in the house at the time of the attack on Monday afternoon on the outskirts of the northern city of Kano. The gunmen were not believed to have gained entrance to the home.
“A group of armed men on motorcycles attacked policemen on guard duty at a residence of a senior police officer at Dorayi quarters,” a police statement said.
“During the gun duel, two policemen were killed, two injured, while the hoodlums escaped with bullet wounds.”
Members of the public also pursued the attackers, the statement said.
Residents reported four policemen killed, but authorities had not confirmed the number.
According to residents, two attackers arrived on motorcycles at the front of the house, while others approached from the rear. They were disguised as labourers and carried a bag of cement, residents said.
The Police commisisoner, Mohammed Jinjiri Abubakar, 54, hails from Kibia Local Government Area of Kano State. He was was enlisted into Nigeria Police Force on the 31 December, 1983 as a member of Course 12 Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.
Abubarkar holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Masters in strategic studies from University of Ibadan and is a fellow of War College, now National Defence College
Nigeria’s north has been hit by scores of shootings and bomb blasts blamed on Islamist group Boko Haram. Police have often been targeted in the attacks.