Benue attack: Police recover corpses of 8 officers, 21 suspects arrested
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of eight more corpses of policemen killed during a deadly attack on security operatives at Agu Centre, on the border of Katsina-Ala and Ukum Local Government Areas.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, saw a joint team of Operation Zenda, the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG), and the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) ambushed by armed invaders. Three personnel — two policemen and one BSCPG operative — were initially confirmed dead, while eight other officers were declared missing.
On Monday, the Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Dr. Justine Shaku, confirmed that the bodies of the missing officers had been recovered, raising the casualty figure to 11.
“This brings the number of officers killed to 11 (10 policemen and one BSCPG),” Shaku said, adding that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, was on ground to coordinate operations. “The atmosphere is still tense and unfriendly, but we are on top of the situation,” he assured.
Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet also confirmed the recovery of the eight bodies, while the Commander of the BSCPG, Capt. Ayuma Ajobi (rtd), disclosed that one of his men and two motorcycles were lost in the attack.
Meanwhile, police authorities confirmed that 21 suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack as security operations intensify in the troubled area.
