Armed herdsmen kill four policemen, seven others in Benue community

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By Peter Duru, Makurdi

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Four policemen and seven others have been reportedly killed following an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

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The attack also left several others injured and many others unaccounted for.

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The incursion, which occurred on Thursday evening, September 10, 2026, was reportedly repelled by security operatives after a fierce gun battle that lasted about seven hours.

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The Benue State Police Command, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Peter Aondongu, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the attackers invaded Ayilamo community at about 6:12pm in large numbers.

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According to the statement, “The report received reveals that suspected armed bandits in large numbers invaded and attacked the community at about 6:12pm.”

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It explained that police operatives comprising the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Units, Tactical Teams, and Conventional Police Officers deployed to the area immediately responded to the attack.

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“The operatives gallantly responded and engaged the attackers in a sustained operation that lasted for seven hours,” the Command said.

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The police said the security personnel “stood firm in defense 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 September 11, 2026.”

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However, the Command disclosed that four police officers were killed during the encounter.

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“Regrettably, four police officers paid the supreme price in the course of defending the community,” the statement said, adding that the bodies of the officers were recovered during search and rescue operations in the surrounding bushes.

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“The corpses of seven civilians were also recovered following the attack and deposited at a mortuary for necessary procedures,” the Command stated.

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Commending the security personnel for their response to the attack, CP Nwadiogbu praised what he described as the courage, resilience, and gallantry of the officers who engaged the attackers and prevented them from overrunning the community.

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The Commissioner “has commended the courage, resilience, and gallantry displayed by the operatives who stood firm in defense of the community,” the statement said.

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He also paid tribute to the police officers who lost their lives during the operation, describing their deaths as the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the country.

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The statement said the Commissioner “paid special tribute to the fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their nation.”

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Nwadiogbu also expressed condolences to the families of the civilians killed in the attack and the people of Ayilamo community.

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“The Commissioner of Police also extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased civilians and the entire Ayilamo Community, assuring them that the Command shares in their grief and remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property,” the statement added.

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Following the attack, the Police Command said additional tactical teams had been mobilized and deployed to Ayilamo to reinforce the existing security arrangements in the community and its environs.

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The Command said it was also working in collaboration with other security agencies to strengthen security and sustain operations in the affected area.

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The Police Command, however, assured residents of Ayilamo and other communities in the state that it was taking necessary measures to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property.

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“The Benue State Police Command reassures residents of Ayilamo Community and the people of Benue State that every necessary measure is being taken to protect lives and property,” the statement said.

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The Command urged residents to “remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful and timely information that can assist ongoing operations,” the statement added.

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