Armed bandits have struck Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, killing a police officer and four residents in a violent assault that has triggered a major security operation in the area.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the attack on Tuesday, describing it as a coordinated assault by suspected armed herder bandits who invaded the community in large numbers. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, said the attack targeted both police personnel and members of the local population.
According to the police, the Divisional Police Officer in Jato-Aka received a distress call reporting that the assailants had launched an attack on officers deployed to Abande community as well as civilians. Police operatives responding to the emergency call were immediately engaged in a confrontation with the attackers.
“In the course of the attack, one Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the 13 Police Mobile Force, Makurdi, who was on special duty at Abande community, sustained fatal injuries,” DSP Udeme said. “Sadly, four members of the community were also killed by the armed bandits.”
Following the deadly incident, security agencies moved swiftly to stabilise the area. A combined team of police operatives and other security forces was deployed to Abande to secure the community, carry out search operations and prevent any further breakdown of law and order. The bodies of the victims have since been recovered and deposited at a mortuary.
Reacting to the attack, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, ordered an immediate reinforcement of security in the affected area. He directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to proceed to Jato-Aka with additional Mobile Police Force personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers to intensify operations.
“The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, has been instructed to coordinate aggressive manhunts to track down the perpetrators and ensure they are arrested and brought to justice,” DSP Udeme said, quoting the commissioner.
The police command assured residents that decisive steps are being taken to restore peace and safeguard lives and property in Kwande Local Government Area. Authorities also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
