By Sabiu Abdullahi
Four police officers and seven civilians have been killed after suspected bandits attacked Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Benue State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Orchia Aondongu.
According to the command, the attackers, said to be operating in large numbers, stormed the community at about 6:12pm on Thursday.
Police personnel from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), tactical units and conventional police formations were deployed to confront the attackers.
Aondongu said the security personnel engaged the bandits in a gun battle that lasted about seven hours before forcing them to withdraw into the surrounding forest.
“The operatives stood firm in defence of the community and successfully repelled the attack, forcing the criminal elements to retreat into the surrounding forest with heavy casualties in the early hours of 11th September 2026,” the statement reads.
The command, however, confirmed the loss of four officers during the confrontation.
“Regrettably, four police officers paid the supreme price in the course of defending the community. Their bodies were subsequently recovered during search and rescue operations in the surrounding bushes.
“The corpses of seven civilians were also recovered following the attack and deposited at a mortuary for necessary procedures.”
The police said more tactical personnel had been deployed to the area to reinforce the existing security arrangements.
Alia Condemns Attack, Calls It Threat To Benue’s Stability
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack, describing it as a despicable act against the people of Ayilamo.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor described the attack on the “peace-loving people of Ayilamo” as a “grave threat to the security and stability of Benue state.”
Alia said the incident highlighted the continuing security challenges faced by vulnerable communities and security personnel in the area.
“The reported killing of four law enforcement officers is particularly painful and underscores the enormous sacrifices being made by security personnel in the line of duty,” the governor said.
“I extend heartfelt condolences to the people of Ayilamo, the families of all the victims, and the entire Logo Local Government community.
‘We mourn with you and assure you that you are not alone in this difficult period”.
The governor also expressed his condolences to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, over the deaths of the four officers.
Alia also praised the Department of State Services (DSS), especially its personnel in Benue and Nasarawa states, for what he described as a “prompt and professional operation” that resulted in the arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to the attack.
He said the arrests could help security agencies establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
“We urge the DSS to intensify its investigation and make the best use of the information obtained from the suspects in its custody,” Alia said.
“Every available lead should be diligently followed to identify and arrest the remaining accomplices, sponsors, collaborators, and other persons connected with the attack. All those found culpable must face the full weight of the law.”
The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to work with security agencies to improve protection in Ayilamo, Logo and other communities considered vulnerable across Benue State.
