Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Makurdi, Nigeria — The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a violent armed bandit attack on Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of a police officer and four residents. The assault occurred as security personnel responded to a distress call early on Wednesday, highlighting persistent insecurity in parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, the Divisional Police Officer of Jato-Aka Division received information that a large group of suspected armed herder bandits had launched an attack on both police personnel stationed in Abande and members of the local community. The security forces moved swiftly to respond to the emergency call, but the situation quickly escalated into a deadly confrontation.
During the exchange of gunfire, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to the 13 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Makurdi, who was on special duty in Abande, was fatally injured. The police officer later succumbed to his wounds. In addition to the loss of the officer, police sources confirmed that four civilians from the community were killed in the attack, bringing the confirmed fatality count to five.
Following the incident, a combined team of police officers and other security agencies was mobilised to the scene to secure Abande community, conduct a comprehensive search for fleeing assailants and prevent further breakdown of law and order. The recovered bodies of the officer and the four civilians have been deposited at the mortuary, where post-mortem examinations are expected to be conducted.
In response to the surge in violence, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Ifeanyi Emenari, directed immediate reinforcement to the area. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, accompanied by additional Mobile Force personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), has been deployed to Jato-Aka to coordinate intensified operations. The objective is to track down the perpetrators, effect their arrest and prevent further attacks on residents and security forces.
The Benue State Police Command assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to bring those responsible to justice and to restore peace to Abande and surrounding communities. Authorities urged residents to remain calm and to cooperate with security personnel, providing any useful information that could assist in the manhunt and subsequent investigations.
The attack in Abande reflects the broader security challenges facing Benue State and neighbouring regions, where clashes involving armed herder groups, criminal elements and farmers have resulted in repeated episodes of violence in recent years. These incidents have underscored concerns about the vulnerability of rural communities to armed raids, cattle rustling, kidnappings and reprisals, particularly in areas where local tensions over resources persist.
Security analysts note that the Middle Belt has been a flashpoint for conflicts involving armed groups that exploit underlying communal and economic pressures. The deployment of APCs and reinforced personnel to affected zones signals intensified efforts by Nigerian security forces to deter future attacks and to regain control in areas where banditry has taken root.
As investigations continue, the police command has pledged transparency in updates and promised to pursue justice for the fallen officer and the deceased civilians.
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