Police reveal how bandits killed four officers, seven civilians in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of four police officers and seven civilians following an attack by suspected armed bandits on Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of the state.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 6:12pm on Thursday, September 10, 2026, when the suspected bandits, said to have operated in large numbers, invaded the community.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, personnel comprising members of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), tactical teams and conventional officers engaged the attackers in a gun battle that lasted about seven hours.

The police said the security operatives eventually repelled the attackers, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest in the early hours of Friday.

The command confirmed that four police officers were killed while defending the community.

It said the bodies of the slain officers were recovered from surrounding bushes during search and rescue operations.

Seven civilians were also killed in the attack, with their bodies recovered and deposited at a mortuary for necessary procedures.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, commended the operatives for their courage, resilience and gallantry during the attack.

He paid tribute to the slain officers, describing their deaths as the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation.

The commissioner also condoled with the families of the deceased civilians and the people of Ayilamo, assuring them that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property.

Meanwhile, the command said additional tactical teams had been mobilised and deployed to Ayilamo to reinforce existing security arrangements.

It added that it was working with other security agencies to strengthen security and sustain operations in the affected area.

The police urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while providing timely information that could assist security agencies in their ongoing operations.