Police tactical units in Benue State successfully repelled coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen bandits on Udei and Yelwata communities in Guma Local Government Area on Monday, though the violence still resulted in three fatalities.
According to Benue State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the first attack occurred around 5 am when armed assailants attempted to invade Udei town. Police operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat through the border forest.
"At about 7 am, another group of armed men was reported heading towards Yelwata town. The police tactical team in Yelwata, alongside other security agents, intercepted them and repelled the attack after an exchange of gunfire," DSP Edet explained.
When security forces pursued the attackers into the forest, they discovered that the assailants had previously attacked farmers on the outskirts of the village. Three residents sustained serious injuries and were transported to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention, while three others were confirmed dead at the scene.
Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifeanyi, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed the command's unwavering commitment to combating criminality across Benue State. He also acknowledged the support of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for deploying tactical teams and providing essential logistics to enhance security operations in the affected areas.
The Commissioner further commended the women of Yelwata for their understanding in postponing planned protests after being addressed by top state officials and security commanders. He urged all residents, particularly youths, to continue supporting security agencies with timely information while remaining law-abiding.
This latest attack comes amid growing concerns about security in Benue's border communities, which have experienced recurring violence attributed to armed herdsmen in recent years. The quick response by security forces in this instance potentially prevented a higher casualty count, according to security analysts familiar with the region's challenges.
Local community leaders have called for increased security presence in vulnerable settlements, particularly those near forest borders that serve as potential entry points for armed groups.
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