A suspected herders’ attack on the Ayilamo community in Benue State has left four police operatives and seven community members dead, following a fierce, hours-long battle between security forces and armed assailants.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, the attack began at around 6 p.m. on September 10th, when “suspected bandits in large numbers invaded and attacked the community.”
Police units including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), tactical teams, and conventional officers were deployed and “gallantly responded,” engaging the attackers in a sustained operation 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,” the statement said, noting that the assailants were driven back in the early hours of September 11th.
The statement added that four police officers “paid the supreme price in the course of defending the community,” with their bodies recovered during subsequent search and rescue operations in nearby bushes. The bodies of seven civilians were also recovered and deposited at a mortuary.
The Commissioner of Police for the Benue State Command, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers involved, praising “the courage, resilience and gallantry displayed by the operatives who stood firm in defence of the community.” He paid special tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as having “made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their nation.”
Nwadiogbu also extended condolences to the families of the slain civilians and the wider Ayilamo community, assuring them that “the Command shares in their grief and remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property.”
In response to the attack, additional tactical teams have been mobilized and deployed to reinforce security in the area. The Command said it continues to coordinate with other security agencies to strengthen operations in the affected region.
The Benue State Police Command reassured residents that “every necessary measure is being taken to protect lives and property,” and urged the public to “remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies” by sharing any information that could assist ongoing operations.
