At least 16 security personnel are feared dead, and several others missing after an ambush by suspected armed herdsmen and local militia in Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala LGA, Benue State.
The attack targeted members of Operation Anyam Nyor, a joint task force of police and Benue State Civil Protection Guards. The operatives, numbering over 90 and led by ASP Danlami Usman (“Dan Zuru”), were on a mission to flush out armed herdsmen when they were ambushed.
Eyewitnesses say nearly 1,000 assailants laid in wait between Tse Agbami and Agu Centre, killing at least 16 officers and capturing others, including ASP Dan Zuru. Security vehicles were torched, and motorcycles seized.
Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, confirmed the ambush and noted that only two bodies have been recovered so far. Police Commissioner Innocent Emenari is leading recovery operations.
Meanwhile, six suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack. Force PRO CSP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the death of three officers and seven still missing. The Inspector-General of Police condemned the assault and ordered more tactical deployments to Benue.
The public is urged to remain calm as efforts to restore peace and rescue missing personnel continue
