Jelili Gbadamosi
The Benue State Police Command has deployed additional tactical teams to Ayilamo Community in Logo Local Government Area following a deadly attack that claimed the lives of four police officers and seven civilians.
The command said the reinforcement was part of measures to strengthen security in the community and prevent further attacks following the invasion by suspected armed bandits.
The incident occurred at about 6:12pm on Thursday, September 10, 2026, when the suspected attackers, said to be operating in large numbers, invaded Ayilamo.
Police personnel comprising members of the Police Mobile Force, tactical teams and conventional officers engaged the attackers in a gun battle that lasted about seven hours.
According to the command, the security operatives eventually forced the attackers to retreat into the surrounding forest in the early hours of Friday.
Four police officers were killed while defending the community, with their bodies later recovered from nearby bushes during search and rescue operations.
Seven civilians also lost their lives in the attack, while their remains were recovered and deposited at a mortuary.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, disclosed the casualties in a statement issued on Friday.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, commended the operatives for their courage and resilience during the encounter.
Nwadiogbu described the deaths of the officers as the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation while extending condolences to their families and the affected civilians.
He assured residents of Ayilamo that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property in the area.
The police said they were working with other security agencies to strengthen operations in the affected community and surrounding areas.
The command urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and provide timely information that could assist security agencies in their ongoing efforts to track the attackers and prevent further violence.
