Tragedy struck in Benue State as four members of a joint security patrol team were killed in an ambush allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen in Udei, a community near Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area.
The victims were part of the Buffalo Squad of Operation Zenda, a joint task force made up of personnel from the Mobile Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Police Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
The team was said to be on a routine patrol along the Daudu-Yelewata route on Tuesday evening when they came under attack.
A source familiar with the incident revealed that the patrol team noticed smoke rising from Udei, about two kilometres from the expressway, and diverted into the bush to investigate.
On approaching the area, they reportedly ran into an ambush laid by a large group of armed herders riding motorbikes who were in the process of setting the village on fire.
“Three officers were killed on the spot,” the source said. “Another officer, initially declared missing, was later presumed dead after someone speaking an unfamiliar language answered his phone. It was clear he had been killed.”
The Commander of the Buffalo Squad and one other officer who sustained gunshot wounds were successfully evacuated and are currently receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH).
Security forces reportedly reinforced and engaged the attackers in a prolonged gun battle that continued into Wednesday. Residents of nearby Daudu community said they heard sustained gunfire throughout the day, describing the situation as tense and frightening.
The NSCDC Public Relations Officer in Benue State, Michael Ejelikwu, confirmed the loss of two of its personnel—ASCI Simon Adoli and ASCI Ernest Ayilla—during the operation.
“It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the death of our officers who paid the supreme price while defending the nation during a joint operation on July 8,” Ejelikwu said.
“Despite these sustained attacks by criminal elements, the NSCDC remains committed, alongside other agencies, to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.”
However, when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, declined to comment on the incident.