Suspected hoodlums have reportedly killed a police officer, Inspector Richard Felix, on New Year’s Day in Adamawa State.

The Mobile Police officer attached to the 43 PMF of the Lagos State Police Command, was attacked at Sangamu Hotel, Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa by some men at about 12:10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1.

When the police in Jambutu arrived at the scene of the incident, they found the 46-year-old policeman with severe injuries on his chest, Punch reports.

He was rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Yola, where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

The body of Inspector Felix has been deposited at the mortuary for an autopsy.

One person has been arrested in connection with the incident. The arrested suspect, who also sustained injuries during the incident, is said to be in hospital for medical attention.

The Adamawa State Police Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the incident to Punch.

Nguroje said, “It’s true. We got the report; we rushed him (Inspector Felix) to the hospital. He was killed. One suspect was even arrested. The Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be transferred to the State CID for us to know who were the attackers, who were behind it and what prompted it. As soon as that is done, we will make sure the law takes its course.

“We condemn the incident in totality. The life of a policeman is equally the life of a Nigerian. So, we cannot in anyway fold our hands to allow somebody take the life of an officer, simply because he is a policeman or because they are thugs. Whatever it may take, the law must take its course.”

Asked to know why the Lagos cop was in Adamawa State, Nguroje replied: “We’ll investigate. Already, somebody who has been attacked and killed can’t be asked questions. What we are doing now is that the command has taken over investigations.

“We have to communicate them officially (in Lagos) to let us know why he was in Adamawa. Was he on casual leave, annual leave, on special assignments or whatever? But right now, I cannot ascertain what brought him here. But actually, he is confirmed dead and the command is investigating the circumstances that led to his death.”