Herders Ambush DPO’s Escort, Kill Two Policemen in Benue

Suspected armed herders have killed two police officers in an ambush in Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The officers were part of the escort attached to the Divisional Police Officer of Ayilamo.

Sources in the community said the incident happened on Monday evening.

According to the sources, the DPO had travelled to Makurdi on official duty.

He was returning to Ayilamo when the escort team encountered the armed attackers.

The sources said the victims were among newly deployed Mobile Police officers assigned to Ayilamo.

“At about 18:00 hours on Monday, some individuals identified as newly deployed Mobile Police officers to Ayilamo community were attacked and killed,” one source said.

The latest attack came days after gunmen suspected to be herders invaded Ayilamo.

That attack occurred last Thursday and claimed the lives of four police officers and seven residents.

The state police command confirmed Monday’s incident on Tuesday.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said two officers died during the attack.

He explained that the DPO had gone to Makurdi to collect some items before beginning his journey back to Ayilamo.

“The DPO came to Makurdi to carry some things and while going back to Ayilamo, he was attacked and lost two of his men in the attack,” Aondongu said.

The latest incident has further heightened security concerns in the community and surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, Plateau State recorded another deadly attack after gunmen opened fire on a commercial bus at Dungus Junction.

The incident occurred in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area, at about 9:40 p.m.

The passengers were travelling to Jos when the attackers struck shortly after the driver stopped to drop some passengers.

The gunmen reportedly opened fire on the vehicle, killing at least nine passengers.

Several others sustained injuries and received treatment at nearby hospitals.

The attack left the bus riddled with bullets, while blood reportedly covered parts of its interior.

The two incidents have renewed concerns over attacks on travellers and security personnel along routes in Benue and Plateau states.