Gunmen suspected to be armed herdsmen and local militias ambushed Police Tactical Teams in Benue State on Friday, killing three officers and abducting seven others in one of the deadliest assaults on security personnel in recent months.
The attack took place at Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area, a notorious flashpoint of militia violence. Police have since arrested six suspects and launched a major rescue operation for the missing officers.
This was contained in a statement on Sunday signed by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM.
The statement reads partly:
“The Inspector-General of Police strongly condemns the attack, describing it as cruel, unwarranted, and an affront on the good people of Benue State. The arrested suspects are in custody and assisting with useful information. Equally, the IGP has directed the deployment of additional tactical assets to the area and assured that no stone will be left unturned in restoring peace and security in Benue State.”
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is currently leading the operation aimed at rescuing the missing officers and flushing out those responsible.
The Inspector-General assured the families of the fallen officers that the Force would stop at nothing to bring the perpetrators to justice, while urging residents of Benue to remain calm but vigilant.
