At least 11 people, including four police officers, have been killed following an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The deadly incident, which occurred on Thursday evening, September 10, 2026, also left several people injured, while others are reportedly still unaccounted for.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community at about 6:12pm, prompting an immediate response from security operatives deployed to the area.
According to a statement issued by the Benue State Police Command through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, the attackers arrived in large numbers and launched an assault on the community.
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“The report received reveals that suspected armed bandits in large numbers invaded and attacked the community at about 6:12pm,” the statement said.
The Command said police personnel comprising the Police Mobile Force, tactical teams, conventional police officers and other units were immediately mobilised to confront the attackers.
The security operatives subsequently engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle that lasted approximately seven hours.
“The operatives gallantly responded and engaged the attackers in a sustained operation that lasted for seven hours,” the Command said.
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According to the police, the security personnel successfully prevented the attackers from overrunning the community and eventually forced them to retreat into the surrounding forest.
The Command said the attackers fled with what it described as heavy casualties in the early hours of Friday, September 11.
However, the security operation came at a heavy cost, as four police officers were killed during the encounter.
“Regrettably, four police officers paid the supreme price in the course of defending the community,” the police said.
The bodies of the slain officers were subsequently recovered from bushes around the area during search-and-rescue operations.
The Command also confirmed the recovery of the bodies of seven civilians, bringing the confirmed death toll to 11.
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“The corpses of seven civilians were also recovered following the attack and deposited at a mortuary for necessary procedures,” the statement added.
The police commissioner commended the officers and other security personnel involved in the operation, praising their courage and determination in defending the community against the attackers.
CP Nwadiogbu described the response of the operatives as a demonstration of courage, resilience and gallantry, noting that their intervention prevented the attackers from taking control of the community.
The Commissioner also paid tribute to the four officers who lost their lives, describing their deaths as the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased civilians and the people of Ayilamo community, assuring them that the Police Command shares in their grief.
“The Commissioner of Police also extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased civilians and the entire Ayilamo Community, assuring them that the Command shares in their grief and remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property,” the statement said.
Following the attack, the Police Command said it had mobilised additional tactical teams to Ayilamo and its surrounding communities to reinforce existing security arrangements.
The Command said it was also working with other security agencies to strengthen security operations in the affected area and prevent further attacks.
Residents of Ayilamo and other communities across Benue State were urged to remain calm and vigilant while cooperating with security agencies.
The police appealed to residents to provide useful information that could assist security operatives in tracking down the attackers and preventing further violence.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, assuring residents that necessary measures were being taken to restore and maintain peace in the affected communities.
