Police Killed, Others Injured As Gunmen Invade Abuja Hotel

An officer of the Nigeria Police Force has been reportedly killed in a gun duel with some unknown gunmen in Abuja.

The incident happened at the Hilltop International Premium Hotel located at Tunga-Maje in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Naija News understands.

It was gathered that the heavily armed assailants stormed the hotel on Tuesday and attacked the security men that were on guard.

Recently, some gunmen abducted a former member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Friday Makama, and eight others from the same hotel.

Since the incident, policemen have always visited the popular hotel to keep watch, Naija News learnt.

A source who spoke with newsmen on the recent attack said the gunmen gained their way into the hotel after destroying the doors with gunshots.

According to the source who pleaded not to be mentioned, at least three persons who lodged in the hotel were injured, while one of them was hit by a stray bullet.

“They came around 11pm; they were many. We had closed for the day and locked everywhere. They shot at the doors and shot the person they abducted before taking him away,” the source told the Punch.

It added: “Three people were injured. One of them, a bullet hit him while in his room. Policemen have been coming to our hotel since the last attack; the hoodlums met them and engaged them in a gun battle.

“They didn’t do anything to us, but we were flogged. People that were injured were those who came to lodge.”

Confirming the attack, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Josephine Adeh said; “Suspected kidnappers were carrying out their operations and our policemen foiled their attack and engaged them in a gun battle. Unfortunately, one of our men paid the supreme price. One other person was injured.”

When contacted for comments, the manager of the hotel, Maquile Adejoh, pleaded with newsmen to get back to him the following day.