At least 11 people, including four police officers, have been killed in a seven-hour attack on Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area (LGA)of Benue State.
Umishi Terungwa, Security Secretary, Tombo Council Ward, Logo LGA listed seven civilians among the dead, including community elders Baba Nyikyaa Mbanengen Agia, Mkohol Ahowe, Agah Saanmoyol (Dodo) and Baba Mlahaga Kpurkpur, as well as two children and Geoffrey Aondoakaa Gaku.
The attack, which occurred on Thursday evening, September 10, was reportedly carried out by armed bandits who invaded the community in large numbers at about 6:12pm.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, said police operatives comprising PMF, tactical and conventional units engaged the attackers in a sustained operation, eventually forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest with heavy casualties.
Four officers were among those killed, according to DSP Orchia.
The Police said additional tactical teams had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, while Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the fallen officers and expressed condolences to the bereaved families and Ayilamo community.
Terungwa, however, said the latest killings underscored the persistent danger confronting the area, noting that the number of MOPOL personnel killed at different times and locations had now risen to 22.
