The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to the 13 Police Mobile Force, Makurdi, along with four civilians, in a fresh attack by suspected armed gunmen on Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, disclosed the incident in a statement released on Wednesday in Makurdi, noting that the attack occurred on February 3, 2026. The ASP, who was on special assignment in the area, was fatally shot, while four residents of the community also lost their lives in the violent incident.
DSP Udeme explained that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Jato-Aka, Kwande LGA, received a distress call indicating that armed bandits had launched an attack on both police officers deployed to the community and local residents. The gunmen reportedly targeted security personnel as they attempted to maintain law and order in the area.
“The ASP sustained fatal injuries during the attack, and four civilians were killed,” Udeme stated. She added that security forces have since been mobilized to prevent further escalation of violence and ensure the safety of the community.
The Benue State Police Command said combined teams of police operatives and other security agencies had been deployed to Abande to conduct a thorough search of the area, secure the community, and track down the perpetrators. The bodies of the deceased were recovered and deposited at the mortuary.
Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to take immediate control of the situation in Jato-Aka. According to DSP Udeme, the DCP has been directed to deploy additional mobile force personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to coordinate intensive operations aimed at arresting the gunmen responsible for the attack.
“The Benue State Police Command commiserates with the families of the deceased and the Abande community,” Udeme said. “We assure the public that all necessary measures are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace to the area.”
The attack in Abande comes amid increasing insecurity across Benue State, where armed gangs, often referred to as bandits, have escalated attacks on communities and security personnel in recent years. Benue, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, has experienced repeated incidents of communal clashes, kidnappings, and violent robberies, causing concern among residents and security agencies.
According to local reports, Kwande Local Government Area has been a hotspot for criminal activity due to its proximity to remote forested areas, which armed groups often use as hideouts. Communities in the region have frequently appealed for increased security presence to curb attacks and protect civilians.
The loss of an ASP in the line of duty is particularly alarming, as it signals the risks faced by security forces tasked with protecting citizens in volatile regions. The Nigeria Police Force has in recent years intensified operations against armed groups in Benue, often deploying mobile units and armored vehicles to patrol high-risk communities.
Residents of Abande community expressed shock and grief following the attack. Speaking to reporters, a local community leader said the incident had left the town in fear and mourning. “It is painful to lose both an officer who was protecting us and our fellow residents,” he said. “We call on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are caught quickly so we can live in peace again.”
Local vigilante groups and youth associations have also pledged to cooperate with police in identifying the attackers. Community elders stressed the importance of unity in confronting the security challenges facing Abande and other vulnerable areas of Kwande LGA.
The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest station. They emphasized that intelligence from the public is vital in tracking armed groups and preventing further attacks.
The attack in Benue highlights the broader security challenges facing Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where a mix of banditry, communal clashes, and insurgency-related activities have threatened civilian safety. Federal authorities have repeatedly called for collaboration between state governments and security agencies to address these crises.
In response to attacks like the one in Abande, state and federal security forces have adopted a multi-layered approach, combining regular patrols, intelligence-led operations, and community engagement to identify and dismantle criminal networks. However, analysts note that persistent poverty, ungoverned spaces, and weak infrastructure often hinder the effectiveness of security interventions.
For the residents of Abande and Kwande LGA, the attack serves as a reminder of the fragility of peace in some parts of Benue State. The hope among security experts, community leaders, and ordinary citizens is that coordinated efforts will not only bring the attackers to justice but also prevent future incidents that threaten lives and livelihoods.