Four cops, seven villagers killed in Benue community attacks

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing of no fewer than 11 persons, including four mobile police officers and seven villagers, in the early hours of Friday.

The incident occurred in Ayilamo community, Tombo Ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.Locals from the area said the attack on Ayilamo was unprovoked.

Ayilamo, a farming community located on Abinsi-Tyulen- Anyiin Wukari Road, has suffered severe attacks from armed bandits who attack the villagers at will.

Our correspondent also gathered that the persistent attacks on Ayilamo might not be unconnected with rumours of large mineral deposits in the community.

A resident of the community, who identified himself as Tyolumun Ugande, told newsmen that armed bandits numbering over 200 stormed Ayilamo from Amaafu Road in Taraba State and advanced towards Ayilamo shooting and burning houses.

According to him, a detachment of Mobile Policemen deployed to Ayilamo engaged the bandits who were armed with sophisticated weapons.

“The bandits invaded the community at about 2am and so, the policemen engaged them in a gun duel. After several hours of exchange of gunfire, the bandits were repelled but this morning, four lifeless bodies of Mobile Police men were found in the bush. 

“We also discovered 8 bodies of residents of Ayilamo, who were killed by the bandits”, the resident said.

Another resident James Udough told newsmen on telephone in Makurdi that it was the second attack in one month that Mobile policemen deployed to Ayilamo were killed, adding that the bandits had planned to set the entire Ayilamo community ablaze.

He called on the Benue and Federal Government authorities to help secure their land and the lives of his people.

In a press statement, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Benue State Police Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, has confirmed the attack and death of 11 persons, describing it as unfortunate.