From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
Three police officers were at the weekend killed and seven others are still missing following a deadly attack on Police Tactical Teams by gunmen and local militias at Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Areas of Benue State.
The attack, which occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025 came on the heels of Saturday attack in Daudu, Guma Local Government area where two police officers were allegedly killed.
One of the officers deployed to Daudu, it was gathered, had called his wife to inform her of his return home, only to be murdered by the gunmen.
It was also learnt that another police officer, Dan Zuru, who lost his life in Katsina-Ala, had made a frantic call for deployment of air component but was told that the weather was bad to fly.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force said it has arrested six suspects in an ongoing response operation in Benue State that resulted in the death of the three officer and disappearance of 7 others.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is said to be currently leading the operation geared towards rescuing the missing officers and arresting the fleeing suspects.
In another vein, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as cruel, unwarranted, and an affront on the good people of Benue State.
In a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja CSP Benjamin Hundeyin on Sunday 21st, 2025 made available to journalists in Makurdi, said the IGP had deployed additional tactical assets to ensure speedy arrest of suspects even as the arrested suspects who are in custody are assisting with useful information.
“Equally, the IGP has directed the deployment of additional tactical assets to the area and assured that no stone will be left unturned in restoring peace and security in Benue State.
“Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies, as the Force continues to intensify efforts towards rescuing missing personnel, apprehending fleeing suspects, and dismantling the criminal networks behind such reprehensible attacks”, it stated.
