By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested six suspects and deployed additional tactical assets following a deadly attack on security operatives at Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, carried out on Friday night by suspected armed herders and local militias, left three police officers dead, while seven others remain missing.
Spokesperson for the Benue Command, DSP Udeme Edet, in a statement on Sunday, explained that Police Tactical Teams were ambushed during a clearance operation around the Mbatula/Mberev Council Ward near the Taraba border.
She said that the Benue Police Commissioner, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is currently leading the rescue effort for the missing officers, while operatives continue combing the forests.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, numbering over 1,000, overpowered the patrol team and burnt down their vehicles.
Council Chairman of Katsina-Ala, Dr. Shaku Justine, confirmed that three bodies had been recovered as of Sunday, while several officers remain unaccounted for.
He alleged that the attack was jointly carried out by herders, militias, and hired fighters from Taraba State.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, according to the PPRO has condemned the incident as “cruel and unwarranted,” assuring that no stone would be left unturned in arresting those responsible.
The statement further urged residents to remain calm and support ongoing security operations to restore peace in the affected communities.
