4 POLICE MISSING AS HERDSMEN ATTACK STATION

The Benue State Police Command has said that it is searching for four of its officers after an attack on a patrol team in Logo Local Government Area of the state on Saturday afternoon.

Herdsmen Engage Soldiers In Gun Battle In Benue

Premium Times reports that the officers were returning from a mission in remote villages when suspected herdsmen opened fire on them in Tse Akpam village, near Azege town.

“We had had an encounter around Azege when a team of mobile police went on confidence patrol,” said police commissioner Fatai Owoseni.

“When they were coming back at a point in Azege, they started hearing gunfire from inside the bush suspected to be from the herdsmen.There was a serious exchange of gunfire.”

Mr. Owoseni said the attackers burnt a police van and four officers could not be found as at 7:20 p.m. Saturday.

“One of our vehicles was set ablaze. So far, on their side, we’re still trying to ascertain casualties; while we’re yet to see four of our men,” he said.

The police chief said more officers have been dispatched to the areas to comb for the missing officers.

His statement tallied with what witnesses had earlier informed the newspaper about the development.

Residents had earlier disclosed that a police officer who sustained gunshot injury was taken to the hospital in Ayilamo, the headquarters of Tombo Council Ward about eight kilometres from Azege where the attack occurred.