Security forces battled suspected bandits for seven hours in Ayilamo as governor vows to pursue perpetrators….
Eleven people, including four police officers and seven civilians, have been killed after suspected bandits attacked Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack began at about 6:12pm on Thursday when a large group of suspected armed bandits reportedly invaded the community, according to the Benue State Police Command.
Police spokesperson Orchia Aondongu said officers from the Police Mobile Force, tactical units and conventional police formations were deployed to confront the attackers.
The ensuing gun battle lasted about seven hours, stretching into the early hours of Friday.
Aondongu said the security personnel eventually succeeded in pushing the attackers back into the surrounding forest.
“The operatives stood firm in defence of the community and successfully repelled the attack, forcing the criminal elements to retreat into the surrounding forest with heavy casualties in the early hours of 11th September 2026,” he said.
But the operation came at a heavy cost.
Four police officers were killed while defending the community, with their bodies later recovered from surrounding bushes during search and rescue operations.
Seven civilians were also found dead following the attack, with their remains deposited at a mortuary.
The police command said additional tactical teams had since been deployed to Ayilamo to reinforce security personnel already operating in the area.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has described the assault as a “despicable act” and a serious threat to the state’s security.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said the attack was another disturbing reminder of the persistent violence affecting vulnerable communities and security personnel in parts of Benue.
“The reported killing of four law enforcement officers is particularly painful and underscores the enormous sacrifices being made by security personnel in the line of duty,” Alia said.
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims, residents of Ayilamo and the wider Logo community.
Alia also commiserated with Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu and the state Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, over the deaths of the four officers.
The governor said the Department of State Services had arrested three suspects allegedly linked to the attack.
He specifically commended DSS personnel in Benue and neighbouring Nasarawa State for what he described as a prompt and professional operation leading to the arrests.
According to Alia, the arrests could help investigators establish what happened before and during the attack and identify other people connected to it.
“We urge the DSS to intensify its investigation and make the best use of the information obtained from the suspects in its custody,” he said.
“Every available lead should be diligently followed to identify and arrest the remaining accomplices, sponsors, collaborators, and other persons connected with the attack. All those found culpable must face the full weight of the law.”
The governor said his administration would continue working with security agencies to strengthen protection around Ayilamo, Logo and other communities considered vulnerable to attacks.
The latest incident adds to the security challenges facing Benue, where rural communities have repeatedly come under attack, often leaving residents displaced and security personnel exposed to deadly confrontations.
