Seven members of the Police Tactical Teams deployed to Benue State are missing while three others were killed in a Friday, September 19, attack on the teams at Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area of the State, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin says in a statement.
Six (6) suspects are arrested in what the police say is “an ongoing response operation in Benue State following a deadly attack on Police Tactical Teams by suspected armed herdsmen and local militias at Agu Centre.”
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is leading the operation, which is geared towards rescuing the missing officers and arresting the fleeing suspects.
Although the identities of the arrested suspects are not revealed, CSP Hundeyin says they are in custody and are assisting the police with valuable information.
He further informs that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has directed the deployment of additional tactical assets to the troubled area and assured that no stone will be left unturned in restoring peace and security in Benue State.
Members of the public are urged “to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies, as the Force continues to intensify efforts towards rescuing missing personnel, apprehending fleeing suspects, and dismantling the criminal networks behind such reprehensible attacks.”
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman, Ukum Local Government Council (LGC), Hon. Jonathan Modi, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Police, Civil Protection Guards, and the Nigerian Hunters Council over the “loss of gallant officers who paid the ultimate price while defending the people,” Samuel Terkuma Atsua, Special Assistant to the chair on media and public communications says in a statement.
Hon. Modi describes the fallen officers as true heroes who stood firm in the defence of the people.
