The Benue State command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the killing of a mobile police officer and four civilians during an attack by suspected armed bandits on Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area of the state.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Makurdi by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme.
According to Udeme, the Divisional Police Officer, Jato-Aka, received information on February 3 that armed bandits had attacked police personnel deployed to Abande community as well as residents of the area.
She said the attackers engaged security operatives stationed in the community, leading to a deadly confrontation.
The police spokesperson disclosed that an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to 13 Police Mobile Force, Makurdi, who was on special duty at Abande, was fatally injured during the attack.
She added that four members of the community also lost their lives as a result of the incident.
Following the killings, Udeme said combined teams of police operatives and other security agencies had been mobilised to the area to restore order.
“Following the incident, combined teams of police operatives and other security agencies have been mobilised to the area to secure the community, conduct a thorough search, and forestall further breakdown of law and order,” she said.
She further confirmed that the bodies of the deceased had been recovered and deposited at the mortuary.
In response to the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, ordered immediate reinforcement of security in the area.
Udeme said the CP directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to proceed to Jato-Aka with additional mobile force personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs).
“He is directed to coordinate intensive operations, track the perpetrators, and effect their arrest,” she said.
Naija News reports that the police command commiserated with the families of the deceased and residents of Abande community, assuring the public that the attackers would be brought to justice.
“The Benue State Police Command commiserates with the families of the deceased and the Abande Community and assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace to the area,” Udeme added.
