Police Repel Bandits, Recover 11 Bodies In Benue Community

The Benue State Police Command has repelled an armed bandit attack on Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

According to him, suspected armed bandits in large numbers invaded the community at about 6:12 p.m., prompting police operatives comprising PMF units, tactical teams and conventional officers to respond.

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Aondogwu said the operatives engaged the attackers in a sustained operation that lasted for about seven hours, eventually forcing the bandits to retreat into the surrounding forest with heavy casualties in the early hours of September 11, 2026.

He, however, said four police officers were killed during the operation. Their bodies were recovered during search and rescue operations in the surrounding bushes.

The spokesman also disclosed that seven civilians were killed in the attack, with their bodies recovered and deposited at a mortuary for necessary procedures.

Aondogwu said the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, commended the courage and resilience of the officers who defended the community.

The commissioner also paid tribute to the fallen officers and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased civilians and the people of Ayilamo Community.

According to Aondogwu, additional tactical teams have been deployed to the area to reinforce existing security arrangements, while the police continue to work with other security agencies to sustain operations.

The command reassured residents that measures were being taken to protect lives and property and urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies.