Armed herdsmen kill Police officer, three others in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the tragic killing of one of its officers and three civilians following an attack by suspected armed herdsmen in Gwer West Local Government Area.

State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, disclosed the incident to journalists on Monday in Makurdi.

According to her, the ambush occurred in Aondona Village, where the slain officer was reportedly attempting to protect residents when he was fatally shot.

Anene further stated that police operatives swiftly responded to the distress call, but the attackers had already inflicted significant casualties by the time help arrived.

“The police responded when the case of Aondoana was reported, and 3 bodies were recovered, and investigation is ongoing.

“Note also that a policeman died defending one of the villages just a few hours before this incident in Gwer-West Local Government,” she said.

However, residents of the local government insisted that the attacks took place in four communities, leaving over 30 persons killed, seven injured and two kidnapped.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that most residents have fled their communities as the attacks have become a daily occurrence.

Residents of Mablim, a community in Gwer East Local Government, which shares boundaries with Aondona village, have also fled to the nearby town of Taraku for safety.

According to a local source, while over 15 persons were killed in the Aondona community, seven were killed in Ahume, five in Tyolaha, six in Orbiam community and two others were kidnapped.

The source further said that the armed herders first attacked Aondona town on Saturday evening and continued on Monday at Ahume Village, among others. (NAN)