The corpses of eight missing policemen killed in the deadly ambush on security operatives at Agu Centre, along the Katsina-Ala/Ukum border in Benue State, have been recovered.
The tragic incident occurred on Friday when a joint team of security operatives ran into the ambush of heavily armed assailants, initially leaving three personnel confirmed dead and eight others missing.
The team comprised officers from Operation Zenda, the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG), and the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).
Earlier reports indicated that two policemen and one BSCPG operative were killed in the encounter, while eight policemen were declared missing.
Confirming the recovery on Monday in Makurdi, the chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Dr. Justine Shaku, said the remains of the eight missing officers had been found.
“This brings the number of officers killed to 11 — 10 policemen and one BSCPG operative,” Shaku told journalists, adding that the Benue State Police Commissioner, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, was on the ground to coordinate the response.
“The atmosphere is still tense and unfriendly, but we are on top of the situation,” he assured.
The Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the recovery of the bodies.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the BSCPG, Capt. Ayuma Ajobi (rtd), disclosed that the outfit lost one operative and two motorcycles in the ambush.
