Tears as gunmen kill 4 mobile cops, 8 residents in Benue community

The quiet farming community of Ayilamo in Logo local government area of Benue state has been thrown into mourning after gunmen killed four mobile policemen and at least eight residents in a fresh attack.

The attack, which occurred on Thursday has heightened fears among residents who have endured repeated assaults by armed men in the area.

Ayilamo, in Tombo Council Ward and located on the Abinsi-Tyulen-Anyiin-Wukari road, was reportedly invaded by more than 200 armed men who approached through the Alufu Road axis of Taraba state.

A resident, Tyolumun Ugande, told newsmen that the attackers opened fire indiscriminately and set houses ablaze as they advanced into the community.

Ugande said a detachment of mobile police officers confronted the attackers, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted several hours before the gunmen eventually retreated.

He said the bodies of four MoPol officers were discovered in the bush on Friday morning, alongside eight residents killed during the attack.

The four slain officers of MoPol 32, Ebonyi, were identified as ASP Paul Ina, Inspector Mohammed Yusuf, Inspector Oge Ikechukwu, and Inspector Edeh Andrew.

Other victims identified included community elders Baba Nyikyaa, Mbanengen Agia, Mkohol Ahowe, Agah Saanmoyol (Dodo), Baba Mlahaga Kpurkpur, Geoffrey Aondoakaa Gaku (Bala), and two children.

Another resident, James Udough, said the latest incident was the second time within a month that mobile policemen deployed to the community had been killed, adding that the bandits had attempted to set Ayilamo ablaze for more than two years.

The Secretary of the Ayilamo Security Committee, who confirmed the attack and casualties, said the community had repeatedly appealed for security reinforcement without adequate protection.

According to Umishi Terungwa, the Security Secretary of Tombo Council Ward, the repeated attacks had taken a heavy toll on both civilians and security personnel, with the number of MoPol officers killed in the area at different times and locations now reportedly reaching 22.

The residents appealed to the federal and Benue state governments to urgently reinforce security in the area, while claims that the attacks might be linked to alleged mineral deposits around Ayilamo remain unverified.