The Taraba State Police Command has launched a full scale investigation into a violent incident in Lau local government council that left two men dead, including a forest guard.

In a statement issued by the command on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Moorkwap Sebastian Dongshal, said he visited the scene at Mararaban Kunini earlier in the day for an on-the-spot assessment following what police described as a case of culpable homicide and retaliatory mob action.

According to preliminary findings, the incident, aa made known by him, began when a forest guard, identified as Jerry Jimmy, arrested a male suspect while on duty. During the arrest, a confrontation reportedly broke out, and the suspect allegedly stabbed the guard in the chest with a concealed knife, inflicting fatal injuries.

The suspect, later identified as Ya’u Jaro Saidu of Jegem Village in Lau local government , was subsequently attacked and killed by a mob in retaliation, police said.

In the aftermath, Dongshal held a meeting with leaders of the Fulani and Jenjo communities in the area, urging restraint and warning against taking the law into one’s hands. He emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence and adherence to the rule of law.

Community leaders, in response, according to the statwmwn, pledged to maintain peace and cooperate with security agencies to prevent further violence.

The police commissioner ordered a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying and arresting all individuals involved in both the stabbing and the mob action.

The command called on residents to remain calm, law abiding, and vigilant, encouraging them to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.