Armed attackers reportedly invaded Ayilamo in Benue, killing four police officers and several residents while burning houses during an overnight assault.
At least 12 people have reportedly lost their lives after armed attackers invaded Ayilamo community in Tombo Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, triggering a deadly confrontation with security personnel.
Those killed in the incident included four mobile police officers and several residents, among them community elders and two children.
The attack reportedly took place overnight between Thursday, September 10, and the early hours of Friday, September 11, when the assailants allegedly entered the community through the Alufu Road axis of neighbouring Taraba State.
Residents said the attackers were heavily armed and numbered about 200. Upon entering the community, they allegedly opened fire and set houses on fire, forcing residents to flee their homes amid the violence.
The sudden assault reportedly caught parts of the community off guard, with gunshots ringing through the area as the attackers moved around the settlement.
A detachment of mobile police officers stationed in the community reportedly engaged the assailants in a gun battle in an attempt to repel the invasion.
The confrontation resulted in casualties on both sides, with four police personnel among those confirmed dead.
The fallen officers were identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police Paul Ina, Inspector Mohammed Yusuf, Inspector Oge Ikechukwu and Inspector Edeh Andrew.
The Ayilamo Security Committee also confirmed that residents were killed during the attack.
Speaking on the incident, the committee’s Secretary, Umishi Terungwa, said the attack occurred between Thursday night and Friday morning.
Terungwa said the victims included security personnel, residents and elders of the community who were caught up in the attack.
He identified some of the civilian victims as Baba Nyikyaa Mbanengen Agia, Mkohol Ahowe, Agah Saanmoyol, popularly known as Dodo, Baba Mlahaga Kpurkpur, Geoffrey Aondoakaa Gaku, also known as Bala, as well as two children.
The deaths have left the community in mourning as residents assess the extent of the destruction caused by the attackers.
According to accounts from the community, several houses were set ablaze during the assault. The destruction of residential buildings has further heightened concerns among residents who fear for their safety following the incident.
The Benue State Police Command has also acknowledged the attack and confirmed that its personnel were among those killed.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said four police officers and seven civilians had been confirmed dead.
“We lost four policemen and seven civilians during the attack and I will soon issue a statement,” Aondongu said.
The police figure means that, based on the command’s initial confirmation, 11 people had been officially accounted for as dead at the time of the statement. However, the Ayilamo Security Committee provided the names of eight civilian victims, bringing the community’s reported civilian toll to eight.
The difference in the figures could reflect the ongoing process of verifying casualties following the attack.
Beyond the fatalities, the reported burning of houses is expected to worsen the difficulties faced by residents who may have been forced to abandon their homes for safety.
The route through which the attackers were said to have entered the community has also drawn attention, particularly because Ayilamo is located in Logo Local Government Area, while the reported access point was around the Alufu Road axis in neighbouring Taraba State.
The latest incident adds to continuing concerns about attacks on communities in parts of Benue State, where residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of rural settlements.
For families who lost relatives, however, the immediate concern remains the recovery of the bodies of victims, the safety of survivors and the restoration of security in the affected community.
The police have yet to provide further details about the identities or whereabouts of the attackers, their possible motive or whether any arrests have been made.
A detailed statement from the Benue State Police Command is expected to provide additional information on the circumstances surrounding the attack, the number of casualties and the security response.
Meanwhile, residents and community leaders are expected to continue seeking stronger security measures to prevent a recurrence of the violence and protect lives and property in Ayilamo and surrounding communities.
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