The bodies of eight police officers earlier declared missing after a deadly ambush in Benue State have been recovered, raising the total death toll to 11.
The attack, which occurred on Friday, took place at Agu Centre, located on the border between Katsina-Ala and Ukum Local Government Areas, both of which are known flashpoints of criminal activity and armed violence in Benue State.
Dr. Justin Shaku, Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, confirmed the recovery of the bodies during a press briefing on Monday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
According to Shaku, the recovery followed a coordinated search operation by security forces over the weekend.
“This brings the number of officers killed to 11 — 10 policemen and one member of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guard (BSCPG),” he stated.
The incident began when a joint team of security operatives was deployed to the area following intelligence reports about criminal activity. However, the team was ambushed by heavily armed men. Three officers were confirmed dead at the scene, while eight others were reported missing.
Efforts to locate the missing personnel led to the grim discovery of their bodies days later.
The tragic development has once again drawn national attention to the worsening security situation in Benue State, particularly in the Katsina-Ala–Ukum–Logo axis, which has experienced repeated clashes involving criminal gangs, bandits, and local militias.
State authorities have frequently appealed for more federal support to tackle insecurity in the area, which has also affected farming communities and displaced thousands.
Reacting to the incident, several residents and community leaders in the area expressed shock and sadness, calling on the federal government to take stronger action against criminal elements threatening the peace and safety of the region.
Security operatives have launched further investigations into the attack, with a manhunt reportedly underway for the perpetrators.
The Benue State Police Command has yet to release an official statement, but sources say more reinforcements have been deployed to the affected areas to maintain order and prevent further attacks.
The latest killings add to a growing list of security personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty in Nigeria’s troubled Middle Belt region.
