From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Commissioner of Police in Benue state, CP Hassan Yabanet said two police officers were killed in the attack by bandits on Ayati community in Ukum Local Government Area LGA.
The CP stated this after he visited Ayati for an on the spot assessment of the situation.
The Commissioner of Police, in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer PPRO SP Catherine Anene, of the was their attempt to resist the ongoing operations in the area embarked upon by security agencies.
He said the officers were killed when they were killed when they went to the area to dispel the attackers after the villagers made a distress call.
The statement read “On 08/08/2024 at about 1630hrs while normal daily activities were going on in Ayati village, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue state, a large number of armed bandits invaded the village and started shooting sporadically at members of the community.
“Police officers with in the community responded immediately and were able to repel the bandits .
“However, 15 people had already sustained gunshot injuries from the attack and were confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.
“The unfortunate incident also claimed the lives of two police officers who were among the team that responded to the distress call.”
The Commissioner said the corpses have been deposited at General Hospital Ukum and investigation is ongoing.
He commiserate with families of the deceased and assured them of his commitment to fight criminals in the area.
The CP also commended officers for their response and encouraged them not to give up on the operation as more teams have been sent to the area for a wider coverage and better engagement of bandits.