Four operatives attached to a joint security patrol team have been killed following a deadly ambush by suspected armed herdsmen at Udei, a community close to Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were part of the Buffalo Squad of Operation Zenda, a multi-agency task force made up of officers from the Mobile Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Police Counter-Terrorism Unit, and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards. Reports indicate the team was conducting a routine patrol along the Daudu-Yelewata axis on Tuesday when the attack occurred.
According to a local source, the team noticed smoke rising from a section of Udei, about two kilometers off the highway, and decided to investigate. Upon entering the area, they were ambushed by armed men riding motorcycles who were allegedly setting houses ablaze.
“Three officers were killed during the attack. Another officer went missing, but later when his phone was dialed, someone who didn’t speak a familiar language answered, raising fears that he had also been killed,” the source disclosed.
Two operatives, including the squad commander, sustained gunshot injuries and were evacuated to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where they are being treated.
Reinforcements were sent in, and a prolonged gunfight reportedly took place throughout Wednesday as security forces attempted to repel the attackers. The sound of heavy gunfire was said to have caused panic among residents of nearby Daudu.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the NSCDC in Benue, Michael Ejelikwu, said the corps lost two of its personnel—ASCI Simon Adoli and ASCI Ernest Ayilla—during the operation.
“It is with deep regret that we confirm the loss of our officers who died defending the country during a joint clearance operation on July 8 at Udei in Guma LGA,” Ejelikwu stated. “These attacks will not deter the NSCDC and its partners from continuing to protect our people and our nation.”
When contacted for comment, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, declined to speak on the matter.
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