Ayilamo: Police confirmed 11 killed in fresh Benue attack
Four police officers and seven civilians were killed during an attack by suspected armed bandits in Ayilamo Community, located in the Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:12 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026. According to the Benue State Police Command, the assailants, reported to be numerous, launched a violent incursion into the area.
In a statement released on Friday, the police’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, detailed that a combined force of Police Mobile Force (PMF) members, tactical teams, and conventional officers engaged the bandits. The ensuing gun battle lasted nearly seven hours.
The police successfully drove the attackers into nearby forests during the early hours of Friday. However, four officers lost their lives in the course of the confrontation while defending the community. The bodies of these officers were later located in adjacent bushes as part of ongoing search and rescue operations.
Additionally, the attack claimed the lives of seven civilians, whose remains were recovered and transferred to a mortuary for further examination.
CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, Commissioner of Police for Benue State, praised the response of the security operatives, noting their courage and resilience during the attack. He honored the fallen officers, stating that their deaths represented the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased civilians and to the Ayilamo community, reaffirming the police’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
In response to the attack, the police command announced it had deployed additional tactical units to bolster security in Ayilamo. Efforts are underway to collaborate with other security agencies to enhance security measures and maintain consistent operations in the region.
Authorities are urging residents to remain calm and vigilant, encouraging them to report any information that may assist security forces in ongoing operations.
