Suspected herders ambush DPO’s escort, k!ll two newly deployed police officers in Benue

At least two newly deployed Mobile Police officers attached to Ayilamo community in Loho Local Government Area of Benue State have been k!lled after they were ambushed by suspected armed herdsmen.

The incident occurred at about 6pm on Monday, September 15, 2026 while the officers were on their way to escort the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ayilamo, who was returning to the community from Makurdi.

The incident brings to six the total number of policemen k!lled in Ayilamo within three days, following Friday’s attack, which claimed the lives of four Mobile Police officers and seven civilians in the community.

Although the identities of the slain officers were not immediately disclosed as of the time of filing this report, the deceased personnel were reportedly attacked along the route while making their way to meet the DPO, who was returning to Ayilamo after his trip to Makurdi.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi on Tuesday by telephone.

Aondongu said the DPO’s entourage was ambushed on its way back from Makurdi to Ayilamo, confirming that the incident involved an attack on police personnel.

The PPRO admitted that the incident claimed the lives of two policemen.

Residents of the area also told newsmen that the attackers were suspected to be armed invaders operating from forests and deserted villages within Tombo Council Ward of Logo LGA.

The residents also expressed concern over the alleged movement of armed men through forests and abandoned settlements in the area, calling for sustained security operations to prevent further attacks.