Four Police Officers, Seven Civilians Killed in Benue Bandit Attack

MAKURDI – Four police officers and seven civilians were killed when suspected bandits attacked Ayilamo Community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue on Thursday.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu.

Aondongu said the attackers invaded the community at about 6:12 p.m. on Sept. 10, prompting a response from personnel of the Police Mobile Force, tactical teams and conventional police officers.

He said the security operatives engaged the attackers in a seven-hour gun battle, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest in the early hours of Friday.

According to him, four police officers were killed during the operation, while their bodies were recovered from nearby bushes during search and rescue operations.

He added that seven civilian bodies were also recovered and deposited at a mortuary.

The Commissioner of Police in Benue, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, commended the officers for their efforts in defending the community.

Nwadiogbu expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officers and civilians, as well as residents of Ayilamo.

The command said additional tactical teams had been deployed to the area to reinforce security and sustain operations.