Benue: Four killed, policemen kidnapped as suspected herdsmen launch fresh attacks on Yelwata, Udei

Four persons, including a security personnel, were killed after a deadly ambush by suspected armed herdsmen on Udei and Yelwata in Benue State on Wednesday.

IDOMA VOICE gathered that among the victims was a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, identified as Ernest Ayila.

A native of the community, Barr. Franc Utoo, who confirmed the attack to our reporter, said about four persons were killed in Yelwata, while another woman sustained machete cuts.

In a separate attack, a joint security patrol team in Benue State was ambushed by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen, resulting in serious injuries and the disappearance of three officers.

The incident occurred along the Daudu–Uikohol Expressway in Guma Local Government Area.

The patrol team, which included operatives from the Police Mobile Force (13 PMF, 58 PMF), State Intelligence Services (SIS), Operation Zenda, Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and local vigilante groups, was conducting a routine operation when they spotted burning houses approximately two kilometres from the expressway.

Upon advancing to assess the situation, the team was ambushed by the armed attackers, believed to be herdsmen setting fire to huts in the village.

During the encounter, Police Inspector Ochepo Benjamin (AP/No. 266789) and an NSCDC officer sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Also, another Police Inspector, Muhammed Abdullahi (AP/No. 196271), and two NSCDC officers went missing during the attack. A coordinated search operation is ongoing to locate the missing personnel.

The attack is coming few weeks after suspected herdsmen attack Yelwata and killed over 200 persons.

When contacted by our reporter, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Edet Udeme, acknowledged the inquiry and promised to provide details, but had not responded as of the time of filing this report.