Bandits kill two police inspectors, four civilians in Benue

Two police inspectors and four civilians have been killed following an attack by suspected bandits on Tse-Kaseve village in Anyagba Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Monday when dozens of armed bandits stormed the community on nearly 100 motorcycles, attempting to overrun the village market and attack residents.

A combined security team comprising 11 Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel on special duty and members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard engaged the attackers and repelled the assault.

However, during the exchange, the bandits reportedly ambushed two officers — Inspector Adams Saidu and Inspector Edem Endimon of the 11 PMF, Calabar — killing them and making away with their service rifles.

Four civilians were also confirmed dead, while another person sustained injuries and was taken to Katsina-Ala General Hospital for treatment.

In response, troops of the Nigerian Army, alongside additional tactical teams, other security agencies and local vigilante groups, have been deployed to the area to reinforce security.

Authorities said bush-combing and search operations are ongoing to track down the attackers and effect arrests.