Police confirm deadly attack on Abande community as security forces launch manhunt for assailants

An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and four civilians have been killed following a deadly attack by gunmen on Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed that the slain officer was attached to the 13 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Makurdi, and had been deployed to the community on special duty. The remaining four victims were local residents.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Makurdi, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Jato-Aka received a distress call on February 3, reporting an attack by suspected armed bandits targeting both police personnel and residents of Abande.

According to Udeme, the ASP sustained fatal injuries during the assault, while four civilians were also killed in the violence.

She added that in response to the incident, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have deployed reinforcement teams to the area to secure the community, carry out intensive search operations, and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

“The bodies of the deceased have been recovered and deposited at the mortuary,” the statement said.

Udeme further revealed that the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to immediately take control of the situation in Jato-Aka.

She noted that additional mobile police personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) have been deployed to strengthen security, track down the attackers, and ensure their arrest.

The Benue State Police Command extended its condolences to the families of the victims and the Abande community, assuring residents that all necessary measures are being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and restore lasting peace to the area.