Missing 12 Nigerian cops confirmed dead

Governor Seriake Dickson of Nigeria’s oil rich southern state of Bayelsa on Sunday confirmed the death of 12 Nigerian policemen attacked by militants on Friday.

His confirmation came via the condolence message he sent to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar.

The police authorities had earlier described the men missing, after their boat was attacked by militants on a day that the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND had promised a ”plague of attacks”. The policemen were said to be on escort duties.

Governor Dickson described the untimely death of 12 policemen serving in his state as most tragic, shocking and disheartening.

Dickson noted that the incident occurred while they were on active service to the nation.

He said that the development was a constant reminder of “how vulnerable we are in our collective efforts at pursuing and achieving lasting peace and unity in our state and country’’.

Dickson eulogised the deceased officers for displaying outstanding qualities in their dedication and commitment to duty as well as patriotism and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the people.

While describing their untimely demise as a great loss to the state, the police and the nation in general, the governor expressed satisfaction with their positive attributes of service to the nation.

Dickson expressed the condolences of the government and people of Bayelsa to the entire Police Force and the families of the deceased.

He prayed that God should grant the bereaved families the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. (NAN)