BTvNEWS

Fresh Ayilamo Attack Raises Police Death Toll to Six in Less Than a Week

By Our Correspondent in Makurdi, Benue-Nigeria

BTvNEWS: Suspected armed herders have ambushed the convoy of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ayilamo in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, killing two newly deployed Mobile Police officers in a fresh attack that has heightened concerns over the security situation in the area.

The incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, as the DPO and his entourage reportedly returned from Makurdi following an official assignment.

According to local sources, the two deceased officers were members of a newly deployed Mobile Police unit who had reportedly travelled from Ayilamo to meet and escort the DPO’s convoy back to the community.

The officers were allegedly targeted when the convoy encountered armed attackers along the route.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, said:

“The DPO and his entourage were ambushed on their way back from Makurdi, and unfortunately, two of the newly deployed Mobile Police officers were killed in the attack.”

“The identities of the two slain officers had not yet been officially disclosed,” he added.

The latest attack occurred barely four days after a major assault on Ayilamo community on Thursday, September 10, during which four Mobile Police officers and seven civilians were reportedly killed.

The four officers identified by the police command were Paul Ina, Mohammed Yusuf, Oge Ikechukwu and Edeh Andrew.

According to accounts from residents and community sources, suspected armed herders invaded Ayilamo at about 6:12 p.m. on September 10, engaging security personnel in a prolonged gun battle.

Tactical police teams reportedly succeeded in repelling the attackers into surrounding forests after several hours of fighting.

A resident, Tyolumun Ugande, said:

“About 200 armed invaders took part in the attack. They shot indiscriminately and set several houses on fire, leaving residents terrified and forcing many people to flee.”

Similarly, Umishi Terungwa, Secretary of the Ayilamo Security Committee, also said:

“The victims included community elders and ordinary residents who were caught up in the attack. The situation has caused serious fear among people in the community.”

The latest incident brings the number of police personnel reportedly killed in attacks around Ayilamo within less than a week to six, further underscoring the security challenges confronting the community and surrounding areas.

Residents have expressed growing concern over the reported movement of armed men through forests and abandoned settlements within Tombo Council Ward of Logo Local Government Area.

Community leaders have therefore called on the Federal and Benue State governments to intensify and sustain security operations aimed at clearing suspected criminal hideouts and preventing further attacks.

The persistent violence comes despite recent efforts to strengthen security infrastructure in the area.

In August 2025, the Ayilamo Police Station was upgraded to a divisional headquarters as part of a broader restructuring initiative by the police high command.

The upgrade was designed to bridge geographical gaps between police formations and vulnerable communities, facilitate faster responses to distress calls and improve security management, particularly in areas affected by farmer-herder conflicts.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command on Tuesday, September 15, presented insurance cheques to families of police officers who died in the line of duty at the command headquarters in Makurdi.

Presenting the benefits, the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, conveyed the condolences of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to the bereaved families.

“No amount of financial compensation can replace the lives of our fallen officers. However, the insurance scheme is part of our ongoing efforts to support the welfare of the families of personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” Nwadiogbu said.

“The police remained committed to supporting the bereaved families within the provisions of the welfare and insurance arrangements available to personnel and their dependants,” he added.

The fresh Ayilamo ambush has renewed calls for stronger intelligence gathering, sustained security operations and improved protection for security personnel and civilians in Logo Local Government Area, amid continuing concerns over armed attacks in parts of Benue State.