At least eleven people, including four police officers and seven civilians were killed when suspected armed herders attacked the Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, according to the Benue State Police Command.
The assault began on the evening of September 10 and stretched into the early hours of September 11 before security operatives forced the attackers to retreat.
Police said a large group of armed assailants invaded Ayilamo at about 6:12 p.m. on Thursday, prompting an immediate response from Police Mobile Force units, tactical teams and conventional officers deployed to the area.
The police mobile forces engaged the attackers in a sustained firefight lasting roughly seven hours, ultimately repelling the assault and driving the gunmen into nearby forests with what authorities described as heavy casualties.
Four police officers died during the operation and their bodies later recovered in search-and-rescue efforts in the surrounding bushes.
The slain officers were identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police Paul Ina, Inspector Mohammed Yusuf, Inspector Oge Ikechukwu and Inspector Edeh Andrew.
Police also confirmed that the bodies of seven civilians were recovered after the attack and deposited in a mortuary for necessary procedures.
Benue State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu praised the courage and dedication of the officers who confronted the attackers despite the danger, calling their deaths the “ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation.”
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased civilians and to residents of Ayilamo, and assured the public that the command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
The police command said additional tactical teams have been deployed to the affected area to strengthen security and prevent further attacks, adding that it is working with other security agencies to sustain operations in the community.
Separately, the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia commended the Department of State Services for arresting three suspects allegedly linked to the Ayilamo attack, describing the operation as prompt and professional.
Ayilamo is a farming community in Logo, a largely agrarian local government area in the Middle Belt, where clashes between herders and farming communities have periodically flared.
The latest assault highlights the security challenges in the area, even as security authorities say the attack was repelled and additional forces moved in to stabilize the area.
