Two police officers have been killed after gunmen suspected to be armed herders attacked the convoy of the Divisional Police Officer in Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred on Monday evening as the DPO was returning to Ayilamo from Makurdi, where he had gone on official duty.
Community sources said the attackers ambushed the police entourage at about 6pm, targeting officers who had been recently deployed to the area.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the officers were on their way to provide escort for the DPO when they came under attack.
“At about 6pm on Monday, some newly deployed Mobile Police officers to Ayilamo community were attacked and killed.
“The incident occurred while the officers were on their way from Ayilamo to escort the Divisional Police Officer, who was returning to the community from Makurdi,” the source said.
The attack came less than a week after another deadly assault on Ayilamo, during which four police officers and seven residents were reportedly killed.
Confirming Monday’s incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, said two officers attached to the DPO’s entourage lost their lives in the attack.
“The DPO came to Makurdi to collect some things, and while returning to Ayilamo, he was attacked and lost two of his men in the attack,” Aondongu said.
Security agencies are expected to intensify operations in the area following the successive attacks, which have heightened concerns over the safety of residents and security personnel in the community.
