Bandits kill policeman, 4 others in Benue

The police officer and four other persons have been killed by armed bandits at Abande in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, confirmed the killings via a statement issued on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Udeme said the Divisional Police Officer, Jato-Aka, Kwande LGA, received information on Tuesday that bandits had attacked police personnel stationed at Abande community and members of the community.

Udeme said during the confrontation, one Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to 13 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Makurdi, who was on special duty at Abande, was shot dead.

She added that four members of the community were also killed by the bandits.

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Udeme stated: “Following the incident, combined teams of police operatives and other security agencies have been mobilised to the area to secure the community, conduct a thorough search, and forestall further breakdown of law and order.

“The deceased persons have been recovered and deposited at the mortuary.

“In response to the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to immediately proceed to Jato-Aka.

“He is directed to go with additional mobile force personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to coordinate intensive operations, track the perpetrators, and effect their arrest.”

The Star