Bandits kill two police inspectors, four residents in fresh Benue attack

Gunmen have killed two police inspectors and four civilians during a violent raid on Tse-Kaseve community in Anyagba Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The incident was made public on Wednesday by Zagazola Makama, a security and counter-insurgency analyst covering the Lake Chad region, through a post on his X account.

According to Makama, sources revealed that the attack took place on Monday when a large group of armed bandits stormed the village on nearly 100 motorcycles.

Reports indicate that the assailants attempted to take over the local market and launch a deadly assault on residents before being confronted by security operatives.

“Eleven Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel on special duty in the town, working with members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, confronted and repelled the attackers,” the sources said.

Despite the resistance, the attackers later laid an ambush for two officers Inspector Adams Saidu and Inspector Edem Endimon, both attached to 11 PMF, Calabar. The officers were shot dead, and their service rifles were taken by the gunmen.

Security authorities confirmed that four civilians also lost their lives in the incident, while another victim sustained injuries and was taken to Katsina-Ala Hospital for medical care.

In response to the attack, troops of the Nigerian Army, along with reinforced tactical units, other security agencies, and local vigilante groups, have been deployed to the affected area to restore order and prevent further violence.