Bandits Kill Four Policemen, Eight Villagers in Benue

In a violent incident in Ayilamo, Benue State, four policemen and eight villagers were shot dead by over 200 attackers who invaded the community through Alufu road from Taraba State. The attack occurred on a Thursday night, with locals reporting that the bandits were armed with sophisticated weapons and engaged in a gun battle with a detachment of mobile policemen.

The confrontation lasted several hours before the attackers retreated, leaving behind the bodies of the policemen and villagers. Residents, including Tyolumun Ugande and James Udough, expressed their frustration over the repeated attacks, noting that this was the second time mobile policemen had been killed in the area within a month.

They called for increased security measures from the Benue State Government and the Federal Government, citing ongoing threats to their lives and property. Additionally, some residents speculated that the attacks might be linked to rumors of large mineral deposits in and around Ayilamo.