Suspected armed herders have killed two police officers in an ambush targeting the convoy of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The latest attack occurred on Monday evening, days after suspected herders reportedly killed four police officers and seven residents in the same community.
Sources in the area said the DPO had travelled to Makurdi on official duty and was returning to Ayilamo when armed attackers ambushed his entourage.
A local source, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the victims were among newly deployed Mobile Police officers assigned to strengthen security in the area.
“At about 6 p.m. on Monday, some newly deployed Mobile Police officers to Ayilamo community were attacked and killed while escorting the DPO back to the community from Makurdi,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, said two officers attached to the DPO’s team lost their lives during the attack.
“The DPO came to Makurdi to collect some things, and while returning to Ayilamo, he was attacked and lost two of his men in the attack,” Aondongu stated.
The attack has heightened security concerns in Logo Local Government Area, which has witnessed repeated clashes and deadly attacks in recent weeks.
Authorities have yet to provide details on arrests or ongoing operations to apprehend those responsible for the latest killings.
