Lifeless bodies of the eight policemen who were declared missing after a deadly attack on security operatives at Agu Centre, on the border of Katsina-Ala and Ukum LGAs of Benue State, have been recovered.
The incident occurred on Friday when a joint team of security operatives ran into the ambush of armed assailants, initially leaving three personnel confirmed dead and eight others missing.
The team consisted of officers from Operation Zenda, the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG), and the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).
Earlier reports indicated that two policemen and one BSCPG operative were killed in the encounter, while eight policemen were declared missing.
However, the chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Dr. Justine Shaku, confirmed on Monday in Makurdi that the bodies of the eight missing officers had been recovered.
“This brings the number of officers killed to 11 — 10 policemen and one BSCPG operative,” Shaku told journalists, adding that the Benue State Police Commissioner, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, was on the ground to coordinate the response.
“The atmosphere is still tense and unfriendly, but we are on top of the situation,” he said.
Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the recovery of the bodies.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the BSCPG, Capt. Ayuma Ajobi (rtd), told reporters that the local security outfit lost one operative and two motorcycles in the attack.
