Group mourns deaths of four policemen, others in Benue attack - Punch Newspapers
Prayer and Support for Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies has mourned the deaths of four policemen and seven other persons killed in an attack on the Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. The group commiserated with the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the Nigeria Police Force, and the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased police officers. The PUNCH reported that the attack occurred between Thursday night and the early hours of Friday, 11 September 2026, with residents alleging that the attackers invaded the community from Alufu Road in neighbouring Taraba State. Confirming the incident in a telephone interview on Friday, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, said four policemen and seven civilians were killed during the attack. In a statement signed by the group’s Convener, Mary Abayomi-Fatile, and made available to PUNCH Online on Monday, it praised the courage of the deceased police officers who responded to the attack, saying they “placed themselves in harm’s way in the course of protecting lives and defending the community.” The statement read: “We are deeply saddened by reports that several persons were injured and others remain unaccounted for following the attack, which occurred on Thursday, 10 September 2026. “PSNAFSA commends the police personnel and other security operatives who responded to the attack and stood firm in defence of the community despite the intensity and duration of the confrontation. Bauchi senator denies banditry allegations, presents himself for DSS probe Army urges vigilante group to share timely intelligence 500,000 hectares of farmland recovered from bandits in Kaduna — Commissioner “Personnel of the Police Mobile Force, tactical teams and conventional police units deployed to the area reportedly engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle that lasted about seven hours before successfully repelling the assault and forcing the attackers to retreat into the surrounding forest in the early hours of Friday, 11 September.” PSNAFSA noted that the recent attack and deaths indicated the “risks” confronting security operatives in the country while discharging their duties. It therefore called for “sustained and improved support for security personnel deployed to vulnerable communities, particularly in the areas of intelligence, operational equipment, logistics, communications and welfare.” “We urge the relevant authorities to intensify efforts to locate persons still unaccounted for, provide immediate and adequate medical attention to those injured, and ensure that those responsible for the attack are identified and brought to justice. “There is also an urgent need for stronger intelligence-gathering and early-warning mechanisms to enable security agencies to detect threats and respond promptly before attacks escalate. “We appeal to residents of vulnerable communities to continue to cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that can assist in preventing attacks, rescuing victims and apprehending criminal elements.” PSNAFSA prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and restated its commitment to supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies. Olayiwola Ajisafe Ajisafe is a multimedia journalist and digital copy editor with over four years experience
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!
Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.
