Alia condemns attack in which police officers, civilians died, commends SSS for arrests

The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the attack on Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of the state, which left four police officers and seven civilians dead.

Mr Alia also commended the State Security Services (SSS) for the arrest of three suspects allegedly connected with the attack.

The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, on Friday, described the attack as a threat to the security and stability of the state.

“This despicable act is an attack on the peace-loving people of Ayilamo and a grave threat to the security and stability of Benue State,” Mr Alia said.

“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.”

Four police officers, seven civilians killed

PREMIUM TIMES reported on Friday that four police officers and seven civilians were killed during a seven-hour attack on Ayilamo.

The police said suspected armed bandits invaded the community at about 6:12 p.m. on Thursday and engaged police operatives in a prolonged gun battle.

The attackers were eventually repelled into the surrounding forest in the early hours of Friday.

The four officers killed were identified as Paul Ina, Mohammed Yusuf, Oge Ikechukwu and Edeh Andrew.

The police said their bodies were recovered from surrounding bushes during search and rescue operations.

Seven civilians were also killed, with their bodies deposited at a mortuary.

A resident, Tyolumun Ugande, told journalists that about 200 suspected armed herders invaded the community, shooting at residents and burning houses.

The Secretary of the Ayilamo Security Committee, Umishi Terungwa, also confirmed the attack and said the victims included community elders, residents and security personnel.

Alia commends SSS for arrests

Mr Alia commended SSS personnel in Benue and neighbouring Nasarawa State for what he described as a prompt and professional operation that led to the arrest of the three suspects.

He said the arrests could help security agencies establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify other people involved.

“We urge the SSS to intensify its investigation and make the best use of the information obtained from the suspects in its custody,” the governor 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 also commiserated with the families of the deceased, the people of Ayilamo and the Inspector-General of Police over the death of the officers.

“We honour their courage and sacrifice and pray that God grants their families, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.

Police reinforce Ayilamo

Following the attack, the Benue Police Command said additional tactical teams had been deployed to Ayilamo to reinforce existing security arrangements.

The command said it was working with other security agencies to strengthen security and sustain operations in the area.

The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers who responded to the attack and paid tribute to those killed.

He also urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and provide credible information that could assist ongoing security operations.

Attack despite police division upgrade

The latest attack comes about a year after the Ayilamo Police Station was upgraded to a divisional headquarters amid concerns over insecurity in parts of Benue.

On 20 August 2025, the police announced the creation of two new area commands and the upgrade of five police stations, including Ayilamo, to divisional headquarters.

The restructuring was intended to improve police response in vulnerable communities and areas with difficult terrain.

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The police had said the changes would help facilitate quicker responses to distress calls and conflicts in the affected areas.

The killing of 11 people, including four police officers, has however renewed concerns about the security situation in Ayilamo and surrounding communities in Logo Local Government Area.

Mr Alia assured residents that his administration would continue to work with security agencies to prevent further attacks, protect residents and restore peace.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding while providing timely information to security agencies.