Two police inspectors and four civilians have been killed in a violent bandit attack on Tse-Kaseve village in Anyagba Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to sources who spoke to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the attack occurred on Monday around 4:00 p.m., when armed bandits, reportedly riding about 100 motorcycles, invaded the village.
The assailants attempted to overrun the local market and attack residents but were confronted by a combined team of security personnel. “Eleven Police Mobile Force (PMF) officers on special duty in the town, working with members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, confronted and repelled the attackers,” the sources said.
During the operation, bandits ambushed two officers, Inspector Adams Saidu and Inspector Edem Endimon, both from 11 PMF, Calabar, killing them and seizing their service rifles. Four civilians also lost their lives, while another person sustained injuries and was rushed to Katsina-Ala Hospital for treatment.
In response, the Nigerian Army, alongside other tactical teams, security agencies, and vigilante groups, has been deployed to the area. “Bush combing is ongoing to track the suspects and effect arrests,” sources confirmed.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces as operations continue to secure the community.