Bloody Weekend in Benue as Bandits Kill Four Policemen, Eight Residents

In the early hours of a recent Saturday, a violent attack by suspected armed bandits took place in Ayilamo community, situated in Tombo Ward of Logo Local Government Area, Benue State. The assailants, estimated to be over 200 in number, entered the farming community along the Abinsi-Tyulen-Anyiin-Wukari road, around 2 a.m., from Taraba State. They proceeded to shoot sporadically and set houses ablaze, causing significant damage to the area.

Upon arriving at the scene, Mobile Police officers engaged the attackers in a prolonged gun battle that lasted several hours. Regrettably, the attackers were eventually repelled, but the aftermath revealed a grim scene: the bodies of four Mobile Police officers and eight residents of Ayilamo were found in the surrounding bush.

Tyolumun Ugande, an eyewitness and resident, confirmed the events, stating that the bandits had invaded the community at approximately 2 a.m. and were met with force by the Mobile Police. Ugande also noted that this attack marked the second time in a month that Mobile Police personnel deployed to Ayilamo had been killed, raising concerns over the security of lives and property in the region.

The Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area confirmed the killings and stated that additional reinforcements were being deployed to strengthen security in the community.

James Udough, another resident, echoed the concerns, alleging that the attackers aimed to set the entire community ablaze. He appealed to both the Benue State and federal governments to deploy more security personnel to the area, emphasizing the urgent need to protect residents and their property.