Friday, October 9, 2026

Police officer opens fire on civilian over 2023 election argument

The police command in Plateau has arrested an inspector, Solomon Damak, for shooting a man, Nyommena Salah, over an election argument.

• March 6, 2023
armed security forces
Police officers on election duty used to illustrate the story

The police command in Plateau has arrested an inspector, Solomon Damak, for shooting a man, Nyommena Salah, over an election argument.

Mr Salah is a resident of the Tudun Wada community of Jos North council area of Plateau.

Alfred Alabo, the state police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday in Jos.

The statement said the victim did not die but sustained serious injuries from the gunshots and added that he was currently receiving treatment at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos.

The police spokesperson described the officer’s action as ‘unprofessional’.

”The circumstance that led to the infliction of the gun injury by the recalcitrant officer does not fit into his professional calling. It was done out of vindictiveness which contradicts the attributes of a Nigeria Police officer,” said the statement.

It added, ”In order to ensure that the officer does not evade justice, he has been arrested. His firearm recovered, and he has since been detained for disciplinary action.”

The statement explained that police commissioner Bartholomew Onyeka ordered his arrest, adding that he had directed the Divisional Police Officer of the ‘A’ Division and other officers to visit the victim at the hospital to ascertain his condition and make arrangements to pay his medical bills.

”As part of wholesome practice in the force, the erring officer has been defaulted, and his orderly room trial will commence today, March 6,” the police said.

The police commissioner promised that the disciplinary process would not be compromised and the outcome would be made public.

He further advised the public to remain calm and be law-abiding as the command was poised to protect the lives and property of all Plateau residents.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

PETER MBAH

Heading 2

Enugu secures $200 million solar investment to boost electricity supply

Mr Mbah pledged the state government’s support in removing institutional bottlenecks that could delay the project.

Heading 5

FAAN announces temporary closure of Owerri airport runway for repairs

According to Mr Agbebire, the closure was tentatively scheduled to last about 25 days.

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

Health

Lassa Fever: Nigeria records 1,115 cases, 263 deaths in 24 states

The agency urged healthcare workers and the public to maintain appropriate preventive measures.

police

Heading 2

Police nab 47 suspects for thuggery, drug peddling in Kano

Mr Haruna-Kiyawa stated that large quantities of illicit substances and dangerous weapons were recovered from the suspects.

Rotimi Amaechi

Heading 5

Number of votes Tinubu gets in 2027 will show number of mad people in Nigeria: Rotimi Amaechi

Mr Amaechi had recently blamed the economic hardship under Mr Tinubu for the deaths of many Nigerians, including his mother.