Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, has confirmed that bandit attacks 13 in Asakpa, Ojantele and Okpete communities in Apa Local Government Area claimed the lives of six residents.

He stated that security operatives, in collaboration with troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, launched a joint operation supported by drone surveillance to track the attackers who escaped into nearby forests.

The police boss added that more personnel, including the Special Intervention Squad and the Counter Terrorism Unit, have been deployed to the affected area to forestall further violence.

Ifeanyi praised Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, for his dedication to tackling insecurity caused by armed herders and bandits.

Speaking on Monday in Makurdi while briefing journalists, the commissioner said the police are working closely with other security agencies to safeguard rural communities across the state.

In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, said the police commissioner also acknowledged the support of the state government, local authorities, vigilantes and youths, noting that their collaboration is vital to improving security.

“The Governor does not sleep. He is always on our neck, and he makes provisions for all that we need,” the police commissioner stated.

He assured residents that security agencies remain in control of the situation, adding that ongoing operations are aimed at flushing out criminal elements.
According to him, joint patrols involving the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard are being carried out regularly across communities.