Two police officers have been killed after suspected armed herders reportedly ambushed the convoy of the Divisional Police Officer of Ayilamo, in the Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred on Monday evening as the DPO was returning to Ayilamo after travelling to Makurdi on official duty.
Sources in the community told our correspondent on Tuesday that the officers, who were newly deployed Mobile Police personnel in Ayilamo, were attacked while escorting the DPO back to the community.
One of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attack occurred at about 6pm while the policemen were on their way from Ayilamo to join the DPO returning from Makurdi.
According to the source, the attackers opened fire on the officers, resulting in the death of two policemen.
The latest incident occurred barely days after suspected armed herders attacked Ayilamo community, leaving four policemen and seven residents dead.
The repeated attacks have heightened concerns over the security situation in the area, with residents facing renewed threats from armed groups.
Confirming Monday’s attack, the Police Public Relations Officer in Benue State, DSP Peter Aondongu, said two officers attached to the DPO’s entourage were killed.
Aondongu said, “The DPO came to Makurdi to carry some things and while going back to Ayilamo, he was attacked and lost two of his men in the attack.”
The police spokesperson’s confirmation brings the number of officers killed in recent attacks around Ayilamo to six, following the deaths of four policemen in the previous assault on the community.