Two police officers were killed when suspected armed herdsmen attacked the convoy of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred as the DPO was returning to Ayilamo from Makurdi, where he had gone on official assignment.
A resident of Ayilamo, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the officers were attacked while travelling to escort the DPO back to the community.
According to the resident, the victims were among newly deployed Mobile Police officers assigned to Ayilamo.
“At about 18:00 hours on Monday, some individuals identified as newly deployed Mobile Police officers to Ayilamo community were attacked and killed,” the resident said.
“The incident occurred while the officers were on their way from Ayilamo community to escort the Divisional Police Officer of Ayilamo, who was returning to Ayilamo from Makurdi.”
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, said the DPO had travelled to Makurdi to collect some items when the attack occurred.
“The DPO came to Makurdi to carry some things and while going back to Ayilamo, he was attacked and lost two of his men in the attack,” Aondongu stated.
The attack comes days after suspected bandits reportedly invaded Ayilamo community, killing seven residents and four police officers.
The latest incident adds to the security concerns in the area, where attacks have continued to affect residents and security personnel.
