Ayilamo: Gunmen ambush, kill two mobile police officers escorting DPO in Benue

Two newly deployed Mobile Police officers have been killed in an ambush while escorting the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ayilamo Police Division back to the community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The latest attack occurred at about 6 p.m. on Monday, September 14, as the police team was travelling from Makurdi to Ayilamo.

According to reports, the two officers had recently been deployed to the area and were part of the security team accompanying the DPO back to his duty post when armed attackers opened fire on the convoy.

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Peter Aondongu, confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi on Tuesday.

“The DPO’s entourage was ambushed on its way back from Makurdi to Ayilamo,” Mr Aondongu said.

He disclosed that two police officers lost their lives during the attack.

The names of the deceased officers had not been made public as of the time of filing this report.

The latest incident brings to six the number of police officers killed around Ayilamo within four days.

Four other Mobile Police officers were killed on Thursday, September 10, when suspected armed attackers invaded the community. Seven civilians were also reportedly killed in that attack.

Residents who spoke about Monday’s incident alleged that the attackers were armed herders operating from forested areas and abandoned settlements within Tombo Council Ward of Logo Local Government Area.

The residents raised concerns about the continued presence and movement of armed men in the forests and deserted communities, urging security agencies to maintain sustained operations in the area.

They said stronger security measures were needed to prevent further attacks and protect residents as well as security personnel operating in the community.

The recent attacks have heightened concerns over the security situation in Ayilamo and surrounding communities in Logo Local Government Area.