Deadly Benue Attack: 11 Lives Lost, Police Repel Bandits, Suspects Arrested in Ayilamo

The Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State recently endured a devastating armed bandit attack that resulted in significant casualties, prompting a robust response from security agencies and strong condemnation from state authorities. The Benue State Police Command successfully repelled the large-scale assault, which unfolded from the evening of Thursday, September 10, into the early hours of Friday, September 11, 2026.

According to statements from DSP Orchia Aondogwu (also referred to as Orchia Peter Aondongu), the spokesman for the Benue State Police Command, suspected armed bandits, reportedly numbering around 200, invaded Ayilamo community at approximately 6:12 pm. Residents indicated that the attackers accessed the community via the Alufu Road axis from neighboring Taraba State, opening fire and setting houses ablaze.

In a valiant defensive operation, police operatives—including members of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) units, tactical teams, and conventional officers—engaged the invaders in a sustained gun battle. This intense confrontation lasted for about seven hours, with the operatives demonstrating immense courage and resilience. They successfully repelled the attack, forcing the criminal elements to retreat into the surrounding forest with heavy casualties in the early hours of September 11, 2026.

Regrettably, the defense of Ayilamo came at a high cost. Four police officers paid the supreme price in the line of duty: ASP Paul Ina, Inspector Mohammed Yusuf, Inspector Oge Ikechukwu, and Inspector Edeh Andrew. Their bodies were recovered during subsequent search and rescue operations in the surrounding bushes. Additionally, seven civilians were killed in the attack, and their bodies were recovered and deposited at a mortuary for necessary procedures. Some of the identified civilian victims included Baba Nyikyaa Mbanengen Agia, Mkohol Ahowe, Agah Saanmoyol (Dodo), Baba Mlahaga Kpurkpur, Geoffrey Aondoakaa Gaku (Bala), and two children.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, commended the operatives for their gallantry and paid special tribute to the fallen officers, describing their deaths as the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased civilians and the entire Ayilamo Community, assuring them of the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

Following the attack, additional tactical teams were mobilized and deployed to the area to reinforce existing security arrangements. The command affirmed its close collaboration with other security agencies to strengthen security and sustain operations in the affected region. Residents of Ayilamo and the broader Benue State were urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative by providing useful and timely information to assist ongoing operations.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, also strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a "despicable attack on the peace-loving people of Ayilamo and a grave threat to the security and stability of Benue State." Governor Alia praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to the deadly incident and urged the DSS to intensify its investigation. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the Governor called for diligent pursuit of all leads to identify and apprehend remaining accomplices, sponsors, and collaborators, emphasizing that all culpable individuals must face the full weight of the law. He extended condolences to the victims' families, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Benue State Commissioner of Police, honouring the courage and sacrifice of the security personnel. Governor Alia pledged his administration's continued cooperation with security agencies to enhance security in vulnerable communities and restore lasting peace across Benue State.