A police officer attached to Operation Zenda, a joint security task force in Benue State, and 11 suspected militia members lost their lives during a gunfight in Buruku Local Government Area.
The clash, which began on Tuesday night near the border between Buruku and Ushongo local government areas, extended into the following day.
According to an anonymous source, a new militia group led by an individual known as “Baba Benue” stormed the area, firing indiscriminately and harassing residents. The frightened locals alerted Operation Zenda, whose personnel were stationed nearby.
“When the security team arrived, the armed gang immediately opened fire, killing one police officer. However, in the exchange that followed, 11 militia members, including their leader, were neutralized, while several others sustained injuries,” the source revealed.
Following the shootout, the remaining gang members fled into the surrounding bushes, with security operatives pursuing them to prevent further attacks.
Currently, security forces have restored calm in the area, but some residents are still fleeing out of fear of renewed violence.
The bodies of the fallen police officer and the militia members have been transported to Makurdi and deposited in a morgue.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident but stated that she was still awaiting full details.