Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
In a confirmed incident in Benue State, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Aondoaver Asom, has died from gunshot injuries sustained during a gunfight with armed robbers after successfully thwarting their attack and killing three of the assailants, according to multiple reports from local news outlets and social media accounts.
The confrontation took place on February 24, 2026, in Ushongo Local Government Area along the Ugbema–Jato-Aka road, where Mr. Asom was travelling in a commercial vehicle to his new place of duty. Security sources say the vehicle was ambushed by a gang of armed robbers at Amile, prompting a violent exchange of gunfire. During the course of the ambush, the police officer reportedly returned fire and fatally shot three members of the criminal gang.
Despite his courage, the officer sustained serious gunshot wounds during the engagement. He and another injured passenger were rushed to the General Hospital, Gboko, for treatment. While the other victim remained in stable condition, Asom succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical care, and his body was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary. Authorities also recovered his service rifle from the scene.
Local police authorities and community sources have commended the late officer’s actions, describing them as a courageous effort that helped save the lives of other passengers and potentially prevented a more devastating outcome for civilians in the vehicle. The police force acknowledged his death publicly, affirming his bravery and dedication in facing down a dangerous criminal group.
Details about the identity or motive of the armed robbery gang have not been formally released by the Benue State Police Command, and no official statement outlining the subsequent investigation or any arrests has been made available in the public domain. However, the incident is consistent with broader security challenges in parts of Benue State, where armed robbery and criminal ambushes—particularly on rural roads and highways—continue to pose risks to travellers and law enforcement personnel.
The State has seen a spate of violent criminal episodes in recent weeks and months, including armed confrontations between security forces and criminal gangs. Reports from national media trackers indicate that Nigeria has experienced significant violence-related fatalities across various regions, with armed robbery and related attacks contributing to broader insecurity statistics.
The officer’s death highlights the ongoing dangers faced by police and other security operatives in the line of duty, especially on roads outside major urban centres where ambushes are more common. In many such attacks, law enforcement personnel are targeted as part of broader criminal strategies aimed at seizing weapons, disrupting patrol operations, or deterring security activity. Analysts note that the recovery of service rifles and other police equipment by criminal groups during raids and ambushes has been a recurring concern for security planners.
Community reactions to the killing have included expressions of grief and calls for enhanced safety measures on major regional roads. Residents and local leaders have urged security agencies to intensify patrols and intelligence gathering to prevent similar attacks and to protect both civilians and officers. At present, there has been no further update on any follow-up operations or identification of additional suspects linked to the ambush.
The tragic loss of Assistant Superintendent of Police Aondoaver Asom is among the latest in a series of deadly encounters involving law enforcement personnel and criminal elements in central Nigeria, underscoring persistent security challenges facing both communities and security forces.
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