Four police officers and seven civilians were killed after suspected bandits attacked Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State on Thursday, according to the state police command.
Orchia Aondongu, the police spokesperson in Benue, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, saying the command received a report that a large number of suspected armed bandits invaded the community at about 6:12pm on Thursday.
Aondongu said police personnel comprising Police Mobile Force units, tactical teams and conventional officers were deployed to the area and engaged the attackers in a gun battle that lasted about seven hours.
“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,” the statement reads.
“Regrettably, four police officers paid the supreme price in the course of defending the community. Their bodies were subsequently recovered during search and rescue operations in the surrounding bushes.
“The corpses of seven civilians were also recovered following the attack and deposited at a mortuary for necessary procedures.”
The police spokesperson said additional tactical teams had been mobilised and sent to the area to strengthen the existing security arrangements.
‘Grave threat to security and stability of Benue’
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack on Ayilamo community, describing it as a despicable act.
In a statement issued on Friday by Tersoo Kula, his chief press secretary, Alia described the attack on the “peace-loving people of Ayilamo” as a “grave threat to the security and stability of Benue state.”
The governor said the incident highlighted the persistent insecurity and repeated attacks targeting vulnerable communities and security personnel in the area.
“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,” the governor said.
“I extend heartfelt condolences to the people of Ayilamo, the families of all the victims, and the entire Logo Local Government community.
‘We mourn with you and assure you that you are not alone in this difficult period”.
Alia also expressed his condolences to Tunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police, and Cletus Nwadiogbu, Commissioner of Police in Benue State, over the deaths of the four officers.
He commended the Department of State Services (DSS), particularly its personnel in Benue and Nasarawa states, for the “prompt and professional operation” that resulted in the arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to the Ayilamo attack.
According to the governor, the arrests represented an important step towards establishing the circumstances surrounding the attack and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
“We urge the DSS to intensify its investigation and make the best use of the information obtained from the suspects in its custody,” Alia 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 assured residents that his administration would continue working with security agencies to improve security in Ayilamo, Logo and other vulnerable communities across the state.