Gunmen Kill Police ASP, Four Others in Fresh Benue Community Attack

Tragedy struck Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State on Monday after armed gunmen stormed the area, killing five persons, including a police officer.

Checks by our correspondent revealed that the slain officer was an Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the 13 Police Mobile Force in Makurdi, who was on special duty in the community at the time of the attack.

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command said the remaining four victims were residents of Abande community.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Makurdi, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer in Jato-Aka received a distress call on February 3 over an attack on both security personnel and civilians in the area.

According to the police, the gunmen opened fire on officers deployed to maintain security in the community and later turned their weapons on residents, leading to the death of the ASP and four civilians.

Following the attack, security operatives were immediately drafted to the area to contain the situation and prevent further loss of lives.

DSP Udeme said a joint team of police officers and other security agencies has since taken over Abande community, carrying out intensive patrols and search operations aimed at restoring peace and tracking down the attackers.

She added that the bodies of the deceased have been recovered and deposited at the mortuary.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to relocate to Jato-Aka to personally coordinate security efforts.

The police boss also approved the deployment of additional mobile police personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers to strengthen operations in the area and ensure the arrest of those responsible.

The Benue State Police Command expressed sympathy with the families of the victims and the Abande community, assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore calm to the troubled area.