20 policemen killed in clash with cultists in Nasarawa

Governor Ibrahim Tanko al-Makura of Nasarawa State has confirmed that no fewer than 20 policemen were killed on Tuesday by cultists in the state, known as the Ombatse militia group.
The governor spoke with State House correspondents after briefing Vice President Namadi Sambo on the security situation in the state.
He said the unfortunate incident occurred at Alakio village, about 10 km from Lafia, the state capital.
According to him, the policemen, who were going about their lawful duty of dislodging the militia group that has besieged the state, were attacked by the cultists.
The word ‘Ombatse’, in the local Eggon language, means ‘time has come’.
It is believed that the group is causing the commotion and insecurity so as to destabilise the state, which is being controlled by the Congress for Progress Change.
Al-Makura sought the assistance of the Federal Government in tackling the fresh security challenge, recalling that the state government had a year ago dislodged the group.
The governor however expressed the resolve of his government to permanently dislodge the cultists, using whatever means available.
Al-Makura said: “I am here to meet with the Vice President to brief him about the security situation in my state.
“Just yesterday, we had a very bitter security problem that has caused the death of some security officers in the state.
“Two weeks ago, we discovered a certain militia group holding arms and carrying out cultist activities in the state.
“Since January, this thing has not abated and in the past two weeks, it took a total different dimension.
“They have been going from one place to another, including churches, and taking people for that particular ethnic group to come and take portions that are meant to empower them to do what they want to do.
“This escalated and is causing serious concern for the state.
“We decided to hold security meeting to find a way of solving the problem.
“The solution was to go to the shrine and pick on the cult leader so that the problem will be solved once and for all.
“As security operatives were approaching the shrine, unknown to them that ambush has been laid for them, these people attacked them and resulted in the death of more than 20 policemen.
“This is a situation that is so grave and I feel it is very important that I come to brief the Vice President about the security situation and to seek assistance so that we can handle the matter once and for all.
“Already, the group that is from Eggon extraction and called ‘Ombatse’ has been proscribed since the beginning of this year because of the activities of the members.
“The position of this militia is unacceptable to the government.
“Already, we are taking appropriate steps to see that the perpetrators of this act are brought to book.”