…AIG Zone 4 condemns attack
At least 11 people, including four police officers, were killed when the Benue State Police Command repelled a large-scale attack on Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area on Thursday night.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, said suspected armed bandits in large numbers invaded the community at about 7:00pm and opened fire on residents.
According to the statement, Police Mobile Force units, Tactical Teams and conventional officers deployed to the area engaged the attackers in a sustained gun battle that lasted seven hours. The operatives successfully repelled the bandits, forcing them to retreat into surrounding forests with heavy casualties in the early hours of Friday, 11th September 2026.
“Regrettably, four police officers paid the supreme price in the course of defending Ayilamo community. Their bodies were recovered during search and rescue operations in the surrounding bushes,” the statement read.
The command added that seven civilian corpses were also recovered and deposited in a mortuary for necessary procedures. The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the courage and gallantry of the operatives.
“I pay special tribute to the fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their nation,” CP Nwadiogbu said.
He also extended condolences to the families of the deceased civilians and the entire Ayilamo community, assuring them that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property.
The CP disclosed that additional tactical teams have been mobilised to reinforce security in the area, while the Command continues to collaborate with other security agencies to sustain operations. The Police urged residents to remain calm and provide timely information to assist ongoing operations.
In a related development, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4 Headquarters, Makurdi, AIG Dankombo F. Morris, has condemned the attack as “baric, wicked and inhumane.”
AIG Morris said the assault resulted in the loss of about eleven persons and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families and the Ayilamo community.
He assured residents that the Police under Zone 4 remain resolute in protecting lives and maintaining public safety. He directed that all operational and investigative resources be deployed to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
“Your bravery and determination contributed significantly to repelling the attackers and preventing further loss of lives and destruction of property,” the AIG told officers who responded to the attack.
He also paid tribute to the four fallen officers, describing their sacrifice as proof of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting citizens.
As part of immediate measures, AIG Morris has approved the deployment of additional operational assets and personnel to Ayilamo and surrounding areas to enhance visibility, rapid response, and intelligence-led operations.
The AIG called on residents of Ayilamo, Logo LGA and Benue State to remain vigilant and support the Police with credible information, stressing that community partnership is key to preventing further attacks.
The Zone, he said, will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with the Benue State Command to ensure lasting peace and security..
