Bandits kill policeman, four others in Benue

Bandits have killed a mobile policeman and four others in a daredevil attack in Abande, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

Spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Edet Udeme, confirmed this in a Wednesday statement in Makurdi.

According to the statement, Divisional Police Officer, Jato-Aka, Kwande LGA, on February 3 received information that suspected armed bandits had attacked police personnel stationed at Abande community and members of the community.

Udeme said that during the attack, one Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to 13 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Makurdi, who was on special duty at Abande Community, was fatally injured.

She added that four members of the community were also killed by the assailants.

Udeme said following the incident, combined teams of police operatives and other security agencies have been mobilised to the area to secure the community, conduct a thorough search, and forestall further breakdown of law and order.

The police image-maker further stated that the remains of the deceased persons have been recovered and deposited at the mortuary.

“In response to the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to immediately proceed to Jato-Aka.

“He is directed to go with additional mobile force personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to coordinate intensive operations, track the perpetrators, and effect their arrest.

“The Benue State Police Command commiserates with the families of the deceased and the Abande Community and assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace to the area,” the statement further reads.