The Benue state police command says four police officers and seven civilians were killed when bandits attacked Ayilamo community in Logo LGA of the state on Thursday.
Orchia Aondongu, police spokesperson in Benue, said in a
statement issued on Friday that the command received a report that suspected
armed bandits in large numbers invaded and attacked the community at about
6:12pm on Thursday.
Aondongu said police operatives comprising PMF units,
tactical teams and conventional police officers deployed to the area responded
and engaged the attackers in a firefight that lasted seven hours.
“The operatives stood firm in defence of the community and
successfully repelled the attack, forcing the criminal elements to retreat into
the surrounding forest with heavy casualties in the early hours of 11th
September 2026,” the statement reads.
“Regrettably, four police officers paid the supreme price in
the course of defending the community. Their bodies were subsequently recovered
during search and rescue operations in the surrounding bushes.
“The corpses of seven civilians were also recovered
following the attack and deposited at a mortuary for necessary procedures.”
The police spokesperson added that additional tactical teams
had been mobilised and deployed to the area to reinforce existing security
arrangements.
‘GRAVE THREAT TO SECURITY AND STABILITY OF BENUE’
Meanwhile, Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, has condemned
the attack on Ayilamo community, describing it as a despicable act.
In a statement issued on Friday by Tersoo Kula, chief press
secretary (CPS) to the governor, Alia also described the attack on the
“peace-loving people of Ayilamo” as a “grave threat to the security and
stability of Benue state.”
Alia said the incident was a disturbing reminder of the
persistent insecurity and repeated attacks on vulnerable communities and law
enforcement officers in the area.
“The reported killing of four law enforcement officers is
particularly painful and underscores the enormous sacrifices being made by
security personnel in the line of duty,” the governor said.
“I extend heartfelt condolences to the people of Ayilamo,
the families of all the victims, and the entire Logo Local Government
community.
‘We mourn with you and assure you that you are not alone in
this difficult period”.
The governor also commiserated with Tunji Disu,
inspector-general of police (IGP), and Cletus Nwadiogbu, commissioner of police
in the state, over the loss of the four officers.
He also commended the Department of State Services (DSS),
particularly its personnel in Benue and Nasarawa states, for the “prompt and
professional operation” that led to the arrest of three suspects allegedly
connected with the Ayilamo attack.
He described the arrest as a significant step towards
uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the incident and bringing those
responsible to justice.
“We urge the DSS to intensify its investigation and make the
best use of the information obtained from the suspects in its custody,” Alia
said.
“Every available lead should be diligently followed to
identify and arrest the remaining accomplices, sponsors, collaborators, and
other persons connected with the attack. All those found culpable must face the
full weight of the law.”
He assured that his administration would continue to
collaborate with the security agencies to strengthen security in Ayilamo, Logo,
and other vulnerable communities across the state.
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