Four Tactical Police Officers Killed in Suspected Herdsmen Attack in Benue’s Udei Community

Four Tactical Police Officers Killed in Suspected Herdsmen Attack in Benue’s Udei Community

A fresh wave of violence has hit Benue State as four tactical officers of the Nigeria Police Force were killed in a deadly ambush by suspected armed herdsmen in Udei community, Guma Local Government Area.

The slain officers, attached to Squadron 12 of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) in Minna, had been recently deployed to the troubled area to help curb the rising insecurity and protect residents from repeated invasions.

According to security sources, the officers fell victim to a sudden, coordinated attack on Sunday, leaving them with little or no time to defend themselves.

“We lost members of our Squadron 12 PMF Minna in the Benue attack. RIP gallant officers,” a police source said, confirming the tragic loss.

Udei, located near Yelewata—another conflict-prone area—has recently seen a spike in violence. Just two weeks ago, over 200 people were reportedly killed in a brutal assault there, with many more injured or displaced, highlighting the deteriorating security in the region.

The killings have once again amplified concerns over the persistent farmer-herder crisis in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where such violent clashes have become distressingly common.

When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she could not immediately comment, stating, “Please, I will get back to you on that information.”

As of press time, the Police Command has yet to release an official statement on the incident.

This latest attack further underscores the deepening security challenges in Benue and raises serious questions about the adequacy of protection for both residents and security personnel operating in high-risk areas.