From Joseph Uchenna, Makurdi
At least two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps have been killed by bandits in Udei, Guma Local government area of Benue State.
A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of NSCDC Benue Command, Michael Ejelikwu made available to the media in Makurdi on Thursday, said ‘yes I can sadly and regrettably confirm the killing of two of our personnel, Adoli Simon ASCI and Ernest Tyolumun Ayilla ASCI, who both paid the supreme price defending their father land during a joint security team clear out operations at Udei, Guma Local Government Area on 8th July, 2025 at about 16:38 hours.
“Let me state unequivocally, that the Corps’ is not deterred by this coordinated and sustained attacks by this marauding killer herdsmen and their collaborators, the NSCDC in synergy with other security agencies will continue to defend the territorial integrity of the Nigerian nation”.
It was also learnt that a joint security patrol team was ambushed by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen on Monday, resulting in serious injuries and the disappearance of three officers.
According to a situation report from the Benue State Police Command, the incident occurred around 2:19 p.m. along the Daudu–Ukohol Expressway in Guma Local Government Area.
The patrol team, which included operatives from the Police Mobile Force (13 PMF, 58 PMF), State Intelligence Services (SIS), Operation Zenda, Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and local vigilante groups, was conducting a routine operation when they spotted burning houses approximately two kilometres from the expressway.
Upon advancing to assess the situation, the team was ambushed by the armed attackers, believed to be herdsmen setting fire to huts in the village.
During the encounter, Police Inspector Ochepo Benjamin (AP/No. 266789) and an NSCDC officer sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Tragically, another Police Inspector, Muhammed Abdullahi (AP/No. 196271), and two NSCDC officers went missing during the attack. A coordinated search operation is said to be ongoing to locate the missing personnel.
The latest attack adds to the growing list of violent incidents in the state linked to suspected armed herdsmen, particularly in the Guma axis.
