The Benue State Police Command has started a clearance operation in Efeyi community, Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area of the state following a deadly attack by suspected bandits that left 13 people dead and 20 cattle stolen.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondongu, while reacting to the attack on the community.
Residents had earlier claimed that 15 people were killed during the early Tuesday morning assault.
However, the police said preliminary investigations confirmed that 13 people lost their lives.
According to the command, the attackers invaded the community with the aim of rustling cattle belonging to a resident, Peter Ambulus.
The statement read, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the armed bandits invaded the community with the sole intention of rustling cattle belonging to one Peter Ambulus ‘M’, a native of the area.
“While escaping with the rustled cattle, the assailants opened fire on farmers they encountered in the bush.
“Regrettably, thirteen (13) persons lost their lives during the attack, while the hoodlums successfully rustled twenty (20) cattle.”
The police said the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, led a coordinated clearance operation alongside tactical teams in response to the attack.
According to the command, the operatives came under attack during the operation but repelled the assailants.
“At the end of the operation, two (2) of the suspected bandits were neutralised, while one (1) AK-47 rifle and fifteen (15) rounds of ammunition were recovered,” the statement added.
The command said the operation was still ongoing, with security operatives combing nearby forests and surrounding communities to arrest the fleeing suspects, recover the stolen cattle and bring all those responsible for the attack to justice.
It condemned the attack and assured residents that every effort was being made to restore peace and strengthen security in the affected community and neighbouring areas.
