August 09, (THEWILL) – Benue State Police Command has confirmed the attack and killing of two police officers and fifteen people during invasion of Ayati community in Ukum local government area of the state by bandits.
This is just as governor Hyacinth Alia has expressed sadness over the unprovoked incident, describing it as barbaric and unnecessary.
According to Police source, normal daily activities where going on in the area when a large number of armed bandits invaded the village and started shooting sporadically at members of the community.
“Police officers within the community responded immediately and were able to repel the bandits and those who had ready sustained gunshot injuries from the attack were confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.
In a statement in Makurdi, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, said the unfortunate incident also claimed the lives of two police officers who were among the team that responded to the distress call.
According to the statement, corpses of victims have been deposited at the General Hospital at Ukum, while investigation is ongoing.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Hassan Steve Yabanet, visited the Ayati community for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. While commiserating with families of the deceased, he assured them of his commitment to fight criminals in the area.”
It added that the CP also commended officers for their response and encouraged them not to give up on the operation as more teams have been deployed to the area for wider coverage and better engagement of bandits.
Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, expressed deep sadness over the news of another unprovoked attack on Ayati settlement.
Governor Alia strongly condemns the attack on unarmed innocent citizens of the State by armed bandits, expressing worry that such heinous act has continued in the state despite strong security presence and the regular dialogue sessions his administration has been holding with Stakeholders and traditional rulers seeking the return of peace in Sankera.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, in a statement, quoted his Principal as making a firm determination to continue to use lawful procedures to protect Benue people, particularly Ukum, which has been on the frontline of attacks lately.
The Governor, according to the statement, called on security personnel to improve their surveillance and also ensure that vulnerable communities are not left unguarded while the government awaits the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to bring out its findings.
He condoles families that lost their loved ones in the attack, saying his thoughts of comfort and prayers are with them and with the entire people of Ukum Local Government.
According to Sir Kula, Governor Alia’s administration will continue to explore both discrete and open measures to ensure that Sankara retraces her path of peace and live happily again.
