Benue Ambush: Two Policemen Killed Escorting DPO Days After Fresh Attack

The journey back to Ayilamo ended in another deadly ambush. Two newly deployed Mobile Police officers have been killed after armed attackers struck the entourage of the Divisional Police Officer of Ayilamo in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the attack occurred on Monday, September 14, while the DPO was returning to Ayilamo from Makurdi after an official assignment.

The DPO had travelled to Makurdi to collect items before beginning the journey back to his division. The two Mobile Police officers were part of the security arrangement around the DPO when the attackers struck.

Benue police spokesperson DSP Peter Aondongu confirmed the incident.

Explaining what happened, Aondongu said:

“The DPO came to Makurdi to carry some things and while going back to Ayilamo, he was attacked and lost two of his men in the attack.”

The latest attack is particularly troubling because it came only days after another deadly assault on Ayilamo. The earlier attack reportedly killed four police officers and seven residents.

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That means the latest deaths have pushed the number of police officers reportedly killed in attacks connected to the community within days to six.

The development has raised fresh questions about the security situation around Ayilamo and the safety of officers deployed there.

A police division is expected to protect a community. But when officers escorting their own commander become targets, the security challenge becomes considerably more serious.

The authorities must now establish who carried out the attack, how the attackers were able to ambush the convoy and whether adequate intelligence and route-security measures were in place.

The description of the attackers as suspected armed herders remains an allegation surrounding the incident. The identity and responsibility of those involved must be established through investigation.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the killings should not become another excuse for indiscriminate retaliation. Residents have a right to protection. Police officers have a right to adequate protection while carrying out their duties.

And anyone suspected of involvement has a right to due process. The appropriate response is investigation, lawful arrest where evidence supports it, prosecution and justice.

No community should be left at the mercy of armed groups, but neither should fear be allowed to replace the rule of law.

Ayilamo now needs security, accountability and a credible response, not another cycle of violence and self-help, ValidViewNetwork reports.