At least four mobile police officers and eight residents have been k!lled in an attack on Ayilamo community in Tombo Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue.

The attack reportedly occurred from Thursday night into the early hours of Friday, September 11, with residents saying armed attackers invaded the community through the Alufu Road axis of neighbouring Taraba State.

The attackers said to number about 200, opened fire and set houses ablaze.

The detachment of mobile policemen deployed to the community engaged the attackers in a gun battle.

The Secretary of the Ayilamo Security Committee, Umishi Terungwa, who confirmed the incident, said the attack occurred between Thursday night and Friday morning.

Terungwa said security personnel, community members and elders were among those k!lled.

He identified some of the civilian victims as Baba Nyikyaa Mbanengen Agia, Mkohol Ahowe, Agah Saanmoyol (Dodo), Baba Mlahaga Kpurkpur, Geoffrey Aondoakaa Gaku (Bala), and two children.

The police officers k!lled were identified as ASP Paul Ina, Inspector Mohammed Yusuf, Inspector Oge Ikechukwu, and Inspector Edeh Andrew.

Also confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Benue State Command, DSP Peter Aondongu,said

“We lost four policemen and seven civilians during the attack and I will soon issue a statement”