The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 17 persons, comprising two police officers and fifteen others in the attack by armed bandits at Ayati Community, Ukum local government area of Benue State.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Catherine Anene who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, explained that, “On the 08/08/2024 at about 1630hrs while normal daily activities where going on in Ayati village, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue state, a large number of armed bandits invaded the village and started shooting sporadically at members of the community.”
Anene added that Police officers within the community responded immediately and were able to repel the bandits.
She added however, that 15 people who already sustained gunshot injuries from the attack were confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.
The Benue police spokesperson said the unfortunate incident also claimed the lives of two (2) police officers who were among the team that responded to the distress call. “Corpses have been deposited at General Hospital Ukum and investigation is ongoing,” the police said in the statement.
Anene further informed that the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Hassan Yabanet who visited Ayati for an on-the-spot assessment, commiserates with the families of the deceased and assured them of his commitment to fight criminals in the area.
“The CP also commended officers for their response and encouraged them not to give up on the operation as more teams have been sent to the area for a wider coverage and better engagement of bandits,” the statement said.
