Fresh attack in Kwande leaves community in mourning as security forces move in
Fresh violence has hit Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, where suspected bandits killed a senior police officer and four civilians during a deadly attack on Tuesday.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing it as a coordinated assault on both security operatives and residents. Police spokesperson DSP Edet Udeme said the Divisional Police Officer in Jato-Aka received a distress call after armed men stormed the community and engaged officers on duty.
During the confrontation, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to the 13 Police Mobile Force, Makurdi, who was deployed to Abande on special assignment, sustained fatal injuries. Four residents were also killed, plunging the agrarian community into grief.
In response, the police have deployed joint security teams comprising the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies to secure the area, carry out intensive searches and prevent further attacks. The bodies of the victims have been recovered and deposited at the mortuary, while investigations and a manhunt for the attackers are ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, has ordered immediate reinforcement of security in the area, directing the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) to lead additional mobile police personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers to coordinate intensified operations and track down those responsible.
The police command condoled with the families of the slain officer and civilians, assuring residents that the perpetrators would be brought to justice and peace restored to Abande.
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