Death toll rises to 11 as missing policemen’s bodies discovered in Benue

The lifeless bodies of eight policemen earlier declared missing have been recovered following a deadly attack on security operatives at Agu Centre, a border community between Katsina-Ala and Ukum Local Government Areas of Benue State.

Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Dr. Justin Shaku, confirmed the development to journalists in Makurdi on Monday.

He disclosed that the recovery of the bodies has pushed the total death toll from the incident to 11, comprising 10 policemen and one Benue State Community Volunteer Guard (BSCPG).

“This brings the number of officers killed to 11—10 policemen and one BSCPG,” Shaku stated solemnly.

The tragic incident occurred on Friday when a joint security team was ambushed by heavily armed assailants at Agu Centre. In the immediate aftermath, three personnel were confirmed dead, while eight others were reported missing, sparking days of search and recovery efforts.

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Security sources noted that the operatives had been on routine patrol when the attackers, suspected to be heavily armed bandits, opened fire on them. The ensuing gun battle led to heavy casualties among the security personnel, with some of the invaders also believed to have sustained injuries.

The attack underscores the worsening insecurity in Benue’s border communities, where clashes between armed groups and security operatives have become increasingly frequent. Katsina-Ala and Ukum LGAs are part of the Sankera axis, long identified as a hotspot for violent criminal activities, including banditry, kidnappings, and communal unrest.

Local authorities have called for urgent reinforcement of security presence in the area to restore confidence among residents, many of whom have fled their homes for fear of further violence.

The recovery of the eight missing officers’ bodies marks a somber moment for both the Nigeria Police Force and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, highlighting once again the risks faced by security operatives in the line of duty.