Police Recover Seven More Bodies After Deadly Benue Ambush
Security operatives have recovered seven additional bodies of officers killed during an ambush by armed herders and militia groups in Benue State.
The attack took place on September 19 at Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area, where suspected herders and militia members opened fire on security personnel. Initial reports confirmed the death of three police officers.
According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the latest discovery brings the total death toll to 11. Among the victims are nine police officers, one hunter, and a civil protection guard.
The remains of six police officers and the civil protection guard have since been deposited in a nearby morgue, while one officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police John Aledu, attached to Operation Zenda, remains unaccounted for. Search and rescue operations led by tactical teams, local hunters, and vigilante groups are still underway to locate him.
In response to the incident, security agencies have arrested 15 additional suspects in Ukum LGA, raising the total number of people in custody over the attack to 21.
The Benue State Police Command has reassured residents of its commitment to working with other security agencies to bring all those responsible for the killings to justice.
