The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two suspected bandits linked to the deadly attack on Afeyi-Ogboju community in Otukpo Local Government Area, where 13 residents lost their lives on Tuesday.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the suspects were neutralised during a police operation launched shortly after the attack. Officers also recovered an AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of live ammunition from the suspects.
According to the police, the attackers invaded the agrarian community at about 7 a.m. after rustling 20 cows. As they fled, they reportedly set houses ablaze and opened fire on residents, killing 13 people, including children, to prevent them from identifying the assailants.
Following the attack, the police commissioner led tactical teams to the affected community to assess the destruction and reassure residents of the command’s commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.
Acting on intelligence about the attackers’ escape route, police operatives tracked the suspects and engaged them in a gun battle, resulting in the death of two bandits.
Nwadiogbu praised members of the local vigilance group for responding promptly and helping to contain the attack before police reinforcements arrived.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant, support security agencies with credible intelligence and work closely with law enforcement to tackle violent crimes.
Meanwhile, residents whose homes and food supplies were destroyed appealed for increased security presence in the area and called on the Benue State Government to assist families affected by the attack.