Benue: Bandits flee into bush after gun duel with Police in Otukpo

The Benue State Police Command has successfully thwarted an attempted attack by suspected bandits targeting police operatives in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

Security sources disclosed that the incident happened on January 27 at about 2:26 p.m.

According to the source, the Commanding Officer of the 80 Police Mobile Force (PMF) in Odugbo was alerted by military authorities that armed bandits, believed to be Fulani herders, had been flushed out of Umogidi community in Otukpo LGA and were moving toward Odugbo.

“The CO 80 PMF immediately and proactively deployed PMF personnel who were already on alert.

“On sighting the policemen, the bandits opened fire, leading to a gun duel,” the source said.

It was gathered that the operatives, leveraging their superior firepower, overpowered the attackers, forcing them to withdraw into the surrounding bush.

“No casualty was recorded on the side of the police or the community.

“Normalcy has since returned to the area,” the source said.

The police command reassured residents of Otukpo and neighbouring communities that patrols have been stepped up to prevent any further security breaches and maintain peace in the area.