A team of policemen on arrival at the scene engaged the attackers, repelling them in the early hours of the next day
By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
Benue Police Command has confirmed a devastating attack on the Sankera axis of Benue State, resulting in the deaths of 17 people.
Commissioner of police, Benue State, Hassan Yabanet in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, CSP Catherine Anene, yesterday, in Makurdi, said the attack occurred on April 17, 2025, when a large number of suspected militia invaded the area with the intention of attacking communities around Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area.
The CP in the statement disclosed that upon receiving the report, he swiftly ordered tactical teams to move to the area and join forces with police officers on the ground and other security agencies to forestall the attack.
He said a team of policemen on arrival at the scene engaged the attackers, repelling them in the early hours of the next day.
According to the Benue CP unfortunately, during the attack, five people were killed in the Gbagir area, and 12 others were killed in Logo before the police arrived, bringing the total number of deaths to 17.
He said security agencies are still engaging the bandits as they have retreated back to the forest around Taraba axis, expressing commitment of the police to fight the attackers to a standstill.
CP Yabanet urged the good people of Sankera to continue cooperating with the police as the operation is ongoing, warning social media users to desist from reporting unconfirmed reports and inciting the general public, as such actions are capable of creating unnecessary tension in the state.
He assured that the Benue State Police Command is working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators of this heinous attack to justice, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.