The police command in Benue has confirmed the killing of a mobile officer and four civilians by armed bandits at Abande, Kwande LGA.

The command’s spokesperson, Edet Udeme, confirmed the killings in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Udeme said the divisional police officer, Jato-Aka, Kwande LGA, on February 3, received information that suspected armed bandits had attacked police personnel stationed at Abande community and members of the community.

The police spokesperson said that during the confrontation, one assistant superintendent of police attached to 13 Police Mobile Force, Makurdi, who was on special duty at Abande, was fatally shot.

She added that four members of the community also lost their lives as a result of the attack.

“Following the incident, combined teams of police operatives and other security agencies have been mobilised to the area to secure the community, conduct a thorough search, and forestall further breakdown of law and order.

“The deceased persons have been recovered and deposited at the mortuary. In response to the attack, the commissioner of police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, has directed the deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations to immediately proceed to Jato-Aka. He is directed to go with additional mobile force personnel and armoured personnel carriers to coordinate intensive operations, track the perpetrators, and effect their arrest.

“The Benue state police command commiserates with the families of the deceased and the Abande community and assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace to the area,” she said.

(NAN)