Police Officer wounded while repelling bandit attack on security camp in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces have successfully repelled an attempted armed bandit attack on C Watch Camp in Rimaye Village, Kankia Local Government Area.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on June 30 when suspected armed bandits stormed the location in an attempt to overrun the camp.

Security sources swiftly mobilised a team to the scene, where they engaged the assailants in a gun duel.

The bandits were forced to retreat and flee the scene with unspecified casualties on their side.

During the exchange of gunfire, the Officer-in-Charge of Rimaye Police Outpost, ASP Shola Odenkule, sustained gunshot wounds on his right leg, as well as bruises to his head and right hand.

He was immediately rushed to Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), Rimaye, where he received medical treatment and was admitted for further observation.

Police Officer wounded while repelling bandit attack on security camp in Katsina

11 kidnapped Benue Links passengers rescued in Okpokwu

By: Zagazola Makama

Eleven passengers abducted from a Benue Links commercial bus have been safely rescued in a forest near Ondo village in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.

Zagazola Makama recalls that the passengers were kidnapped on June 22 while travelling along the Otukpo–Enugu highway in a Benue Links Hummer bus.

Security sources reliably confirmed that the victims were freed on June 29 following sustained search operations by the security forced supported by local vigilance groups and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard.

Credible intelligence reportedly indicated that the kidnappers were moving the captives through a bush path around Ondo village in Ugbokolo. In response, the rescue teams swiftly mobilised and launched a coordinated search operation in the area.

After several hours of intense combing of the forest, the victims were found alive and safely evacuated to Ugbokolo town, where they were provided immediate care.

The rescued individuals were identified as Bam Joseph, Doom Terhile, Uju Mercy, Ashika Linda, Atule Ladi, Undia Iveren, Terfa Kwshdoo, Akume Hembadoon, Ikpeen Msendoo, Mlumun Hurt, and Philip Igbuan.

One of the victims, Philip Igbuan, suffered a deep machete wound to the head inflicted by the kidnappers and was immediately taken to the General Hospital in Ugbokolo for medical treatment.

The freed passengers have since been debriefed by the Police and Benue Links has arranged transportation to help them reach their original destinations and reunite with their families.

According to accounts from the victims, their abductors were heavily armed and are suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

11 kidnapped Benue Links passengers rescued in Okpokwu

Four police officers killed in ambush by suspected herdsmen in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Atleast four mobile police officers attached to the 12 Police Mobile Force (PMF) unit were killed following an ambush by suspected armed herdsmen in Udei village, Guma Local Government Area.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the officers were on special duty when they came under heavy fire on June 29 while responding to a distress call.

The sources said that the officers were alerted around 2:00 p.m. that a large group of armed men, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, were advancing toward Udei village with a herd of cattle.

“The attackers had approached the vicinity of the primary school in Udei, which serves as a base for the deployed PMF 12 personnel. As the officers moved to intercept them, they were ambushed and attacked with heavy gunfire,” the report stated.

Four officers tragically lost their lives in the attack, and their service weapons were reportedly carted away by the assailants. The deceased officers were identified as: Insp. Samuel Bisalla, Insp. Emmanuel Bitrus, Insp. John Sunday and Insp. Kenneth Gabriel

Two other personnel, ASP Jacob Elisha and Insp. Zakari Bangajiya sustained injuries and was rushed to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, for medical attention. They are said to be responding to treatment after suffering from exhaustion and shock.

The corpses of the fallen officers have been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and medical examination.

In response to the attack, special tactical units and a reinforced team equipped with an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) have been deployed to Udei and the Daudu Divisional Headquarters to forestall further incidents and restore calm in the area.

Four police officers killed in ambush by suspected herdsmen in Benue