The panel set up by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters to investigate the killing of three police officers and a civilian by soldiers in Taraba state have arrived in Jalingo to begin the investigation proper.

Led by Rear Admiral Ibikunle Olaiya, the panel arrived at the Taraba Government House on Wednesday where they met with Governor Darius Ishaku behind closed doors.

After the meeting, members of the panel refused to comment on what they discussed with the governor as they immediately proceeded to Wukari in Ibi Local Government Area where the incident happened.

The panel was constituted on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari who instructed the Defence Headquarters to get to the roots of the matter and unearth the circumstances that led to the killings.

The police and the army have been trading words over the incident which led to the escape of a kidnap suspect, Alhaji Hamisu Balla, also known as Wadume.

Recall that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, constituted the committee following the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The panel comprises representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police, Department of State Service and the Defence Intelligence Agency.

The slain operatives were on investigation activities to arrest a notorious kidnap kingpin, Wadume indicted in a series of high-profile kidnap incidents in the state.

The operatives, who were taking the arrested suspect to the Command Headquarters in Jalingo, were alleged to be shot at severally by the soldiers despite sufficient proof that they were police personnel on legitimate duty.