4 policemen, 8 villagers shot dead in fresh Benue attack

In a brutal attack in Benue State, Nigeria, four policemen and eight villagers were killed on Friday morning during an assault on the Ayilamo community, according to local reports. The assailants, believed to number over 200, traversed Alufu road, straddling into Taraba State before advancing towards Ayilamo. The targeted farming community had been plagued by repeated attacks by bandits, prompting residents to demand heightened security measures.

Resident Tyolumun Ugande informed journalists in Makurdi that a detachment of mobile policemen had engaged the attackers, who were reportedly armed with advanced weaponry. The gun battle, which lasted several hours from Thursday night, ultimately saw the attackers retreat. Ugande stated that the deceased policemen's bodies were found in the bush on Friday morning, alongside the deceased villagers. Several houses were also set ablaze during the attack.

James Udough, another resident, corroborated the account, noting that this was the second time within a month that mobile policemen were killed while on duty in Ayilamo. He expressed frustration, stating, "The bandits have been trying to set the whole of Ayilamo ablaze for more than two years now. We call on security personnel, the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to help secure our land and lives."

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Benue State, DSP Peter Aondongu, indicated that a statement on the incident would be issued, but had not done so at the time of the report.