THE security situation in Benue State took a grim turn on Monday as authorities confirmed the recovery of the corpses of eight missing policemen, brutally killed in a Friday night ambush at Agu Centre, on the border between Katsina-Ala and Ukum Local Government Areas.
News Point Nigeria reports that the attack, which has been described as one of the deadliest assaults on security forces in recent months, initially left three operatives confirmed dead and eight others unaccounted for.
The joint security team comprised personnel of Operation Zenda, the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG), and the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).
Speaking to journalists in Makurdi by telephone, Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Dr. Justine Shaku, confirmed that the bodies of the eight missing officers had been recovered during a follow-up operation.
“This brings the total number of personnel killed to 11 – ten policemen and one member of the BSCPG,” Shaku said.
“The atmosphere is still tense and unfriendly, but we are working with the Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, who is personally on ground to coordinate ongoing operations.”
Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the recovery of the bodies, assuring residents that security forces remain committed to restoring order in the troubled area.
In a separate telephone interview, Commander of the BSCPG, Captain Ayuma Ajobi (rtd.), expressed grief over the loss of his operative and revealed that two motorcycles were also seized during the attack.
“We are deeply pained by this tragedy. One of our men was killed, and we lost two motorcycles to the attackers. This is a sad day for the security community,” Ajobi said.
Residents of Agu Centre and surrounding communities remain on edge as the hunt for the perpetrators intensifies.
Security operatives have reportedly launched a sweeping manhunt in the forests bordering Katsina-Ala and Ukum, with reinforcements deployed to prevent further attacks.
