File Photo: some gunmen

Some gunmen on Friday night attacked the headquarters  of the Department of State Security (DSS) in Lokoja, capital of Kogi state, in central Nigeria. It was not clear whether the men were members of Boko Haram.

Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, the Commissioner of Police in the state, confirmed the death of a policeman when a team of security forces from the Police, the Nigerian Army and DSS later engaged the gunmen.

“I cannot confirm whether they are Boko Haram members or not. All I know is that they are criminal elements and the law will take its course.

“We are investigating to know the circumstances that led to that attack, their motive and others’’, he said.

He assured the public that the police were always on alert and would always work in collaboration with other security agencies to tackle security challenges in the state.

“Our mandate is to keep the environment and Kogi free and safe for Nigerians to go about their lawful businesses.’’ he said.

He urged the public to partner with the police in the fight against crime, saying “we should have an understanding that there is no way you can solve crime without community involvement.

“Criminals live in our midst. Don’t hide them, criminals don’t respect persons. If you are not a victim today you may be a victim tomorrow if you don’t report criminal elements in your midst.’’

A witness said  that the gunmen arrived in the DSS office at about 10:30 p.m,  barricaded the adjoining roads to the office and shot at motorists from all directions.

(NAN)