Four police officers and seven civilians have been confirmed dead following an armed attack on Ayilamo Community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Benue State Police Command says its operatives repelled the attackers after a seven-hour operation.
According to a statement by the Police Command’s public relations officer DSP Orchia Aondongu, the attackers, described as suspected armed bandits, invaded Ayilamo Community in large numbers at about 6:12 Wednesday evening.
Police operatives, including personnel of the Police Mobile Force, tactical teams, and conventional officers deployed to the area, reportedly responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a sustained operation.
The Command says the operation lasted for about seven hours, with security operatives successfully repelling the attack and forcing the assailants to retreat into the surrounding forest in the early hours of Thursday.
However, four police officers were killed while defending the community.
Their bodies, according to the command, were later recovered during search and rescue operations in the surrounding bushes.
The Police also confirmed the recovery of the bodies of seven civilians following the attack.
Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has commended the courage and resilience of the operatives while paying tribute to the four fallen officers.
He also condoled with the families of the deceased civilians and the people of Ayilamo Community.
Meanwhile, the Police Command says additional tactical teams have been deployed to reinforce security in the area, as operations continue in collaboration with other security agencies.
The Command has urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and to support security agencies with useful and timely information.
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Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
