Benue: Police confirm three dead in latest attacks on Yelwata, Udei communities

Police tactical units in Benue State on Monday repelled coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen bandits on Udei and Yelwata communities in Guma Local Government Area, resulting in six casualties.

According to the Benue State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the first incident occurred at about 5 am when armed men attempted to invade Udei town.

She said police operatives deployed to the area engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to flee through the border forest.

“At about 7 am, another group of armed men was reported heading towards Yelwata town. The police tactical team in Yelwata, alongside other security agents, intercepted them and repelled the attack after an exchange of gunfire.

“However, when security operatives pursued the assailants into the forest, it was discovered that they had earlier attacked farmers on the outskirts of the village.

“Three people sustained serious injuries and were taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital for treatment, while three others were confirmed dead.

“Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifeanyi, commiserated with the families of the deceased and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating criminality in the state.

“He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for deploying tactical teams and providing logistics to enhance security operations,” she said.

CP Ifeanyi further commended Yelwata women for their understanding in shelving planned protests after being addressed by top state officials and security commanders.

He urged residents, particularly youths, to continue supporting security agencies with timely information and to remain law-abiding.

Benue: Police confirm three dead in latest attacks on Yelwata, Udei communities