Policeman killed as suspected armed herders attack checkpoint in Benue

A policeman has reportedly been killed in a suspected armed herders’ attack on a joint police and military checkpoint in Uzer community, Logo Local Government Area (LGA), of Benue State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred when the attackers stormed the security checkpoint, prompting troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke, stationed in Ayilamo, and a team of mobile policemen to respond.

According to a local source, the attackers took to their heels and disappeared into the nearby bushes on sighting the advancing troops.

He said the “security personnel subsequently launched a follow-up operation in the area to track the fleeing assailants and restore normalcy.

“During the operation, the troops reportedly recovered the body of a Police Inspector who was killed during the attack,” he said.

He stated that the remains of the slain officer were deposited at the Ayilamo Hospital mortuary for autopsy and other necessary procedures.

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the command lost one of its personnel in the attack.

“I can confirm that we lost one of our officers in Ayilamo, as the report stated. Operations in that axis are still ongoing to bring the perpetrators to book,” Aondongu said.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that security forces have intensified patrols and surveillance around Uzer, Ayilamo and other border communities in Logo LGA following the attack.