Suspected herders ambush DPO, kill two officers in Benue

Two police officers have been killed after suspected armed attackers ambushed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area of Benue.

The incident occurred on Monday evening while the DPO was returning to Ayilamo from Makurdi, the state capital.

The two officers, identified as newly deployed Mobile Police personnel, were reportedly on their way to escort the DPO back to the community when they came under attack.

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A resident of the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers had laid an ambush along the road before opening fire on the police team.

The resident said, “At about 18:00 hours on Monday, some individuals identified as newly deployed Mobile Police officers to Ayilamo community were attacked and killed.

“The incident occurred while the officers were on their way from Ayilamo community to escort the Divisional Police Officer of Ayilamo, who was returning to Ayilamo from Makurdi.”

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said two police officers were killed in the attack.

Aondongu said the DPO had travelled to Makurdi to collect some items and was returning to Ayilamo when the attackers struck.

He said, “The DPO came to Makurdi to carry some things and while going back to Ayilamo, he was attacked and lost two of his men in the attack.”

The latest attack came days after another deadly incident in Ayilamo, where suspected attackers reportedly invaded the community and killed four police officers and seven residents.

The earlier attack, which occurred last Thursday, had heightened security concerns in the area and raised fresh fears over the safety of residents and security personnel operating in the community.

The latest incident has further increased concerns over the security situation in Ayilamo and surrounding communities in Logo Local Government Area, particularly following the repeated attacks on both civilians and security personnel.

Police authorities are expected to intensify efforts to identify those behind the attacks and prevent further incidents in the area.