The wave of violence in Benue State has continued, with two policemen killed after suspected armed herders ambushed the convoy of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area.
The latest attack occurred on Monday evening, barely four days after another deadly incident in the same community reportedly claimed the lives of four policemen and seven residents.
Sources in the community told reporters on Tuesday that the DPO had travelled to Makurdi on official duty and was returning to Ayilamo when his entourage came under attack.
According to one of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the victims were among newly deployed Mobile Police officers stationed in the area.
He said, “At about 6pm on Monday, some newly deployed Mobile Police officers to Ayilamo community were attacked and killed.
“The incident occurred while the officers were on their way from Ayilamo to escort the Divisional Police Officer, who was returning to the community from Makurdi.”
Confirming the attack, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, said two officers attached to the DPO’s entourage were killed during the incident.
Aondongu said, “The DPO came to Makurdi to collect some things, and while returning to Ayilamo, he was attacked and lost two of his men in the attack.”
The latest incident has heightened concerns over the security situation in Ayilamo, where repeated attacks have continued to claim the lives of both security personnel and residents.
