The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 17 persons, including two police officers an attack by armed bandits at Ayati Community, Ukum local government area of Benue State.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Catherine Anene, a large number of armed bandits invaded the village and started shooting sporadically at members of the community”.
Anene added that Police officers within the community responded immediately and were able to repel the bandits, however,15 people who already sustained gunshot injuries from the attack were confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.
The Benue police spokesperson said the unfortunate incident also claimed the lives of two police officers who were among the team that responded to the distress call. “Corpses have been deposited at General Hospital Ukum and investigation is ongoing,” the police said in the statement.
Anene further informed that the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Hassan Yabanet who visited Ayati for an on-the-spot assessment, commiserates with the families of the deceased and assured them of his commitment to fight criminals in the area.
