The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that a police officer and three civilians were killed in an attack by suspected armed herdsmen in Aondona Village, Gwer West Local Government Area.

State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, disclosed this to journalists on Monday in Makurdi, stating that the officer died while defending residents during the assault.

"The police responded promptly when the incident in Aondona was reported. Three bodies were recovered, and an investigation is currently ongoing," Anene said.

She further revealed that another police officer had been killed earlier while defending a different village in the same local government area just hours before the Aondona attack.

However, local residents have presented a different account of the incidents, claiming the attacks were more widespread and devastating than officially reported. According to community sources, the violence spanned across four communities, resulting in over 30 fatalities, seven injuries, and two kidnappings.

A local source reported that more than 15 people were killed in Aondona alone, with additional casualties in neighboring communities: seven in Ahume, five in Tyolaha, and six in Orbiam.

The attacks reportedly began on Saturday evening in Aondona and continued through Monday, spreading to Ahume and other nearby villages. The violence has forced many residents to flee their homes, with people from Mablim in neighboring Gwer East Local Government Area seeking refuge in Taraku town.

Residents described these attacks as a regular occurrence in the area, expressing concerns about their safety and security.

The police have stated that investigations into the incidents are ongoing.