Four Police Officers Killed in Benue Bandit Attack

On September 11, armed bandits attacked Ayilamo, a farming community in Tombo Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, resulting in the deaths of four mobile policemen and eight residents. Tyolumun Ugande, a local resident, reported that more than 200 gunmen entered the community via the Alufu Road axis, firing weapons and burning houses.

A detachment of mobile police officers engaged the attackers, who were armed with sophisticated weapons. After several hours of gunfire, the bandits retreated, and the bodies of the four policemen were recovered from the bush the following morning.

The Divisional Police Officer confirmed the attack and the fatalities, stating that reinforcements had been requested. James Udough, another resident, noted that this was the second deadly incident involving mobile policemen in Ayilamo within a month.

The community has faced multiple violent raids over the past two years, possibly linked to mineral deposits in the area, although this connection remains unverified.