One Policeman, 11 Militias Killed During Gun Battle in Benue

George Okoh in Makurdi

A policeman and 11 militias were killed yesterday in a gun duel between the militias and the operatives of the Benue State Police Command in Buruku Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the operation took place around Buruku and Ushongo border axis between Tuesday night and early hours of yesterday.

A local source informed journalists on phone in Makurdi yesterday that the policeman was killed during a gun battle with the militia members.

The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the Operation Zenda team stationed around the Buruku and Ushongo received a distress call from the locals that some militia group were attacking people.

“They quickly mobilised to the scene and on sighting the policemen, the militia opened fire and in the process killed one of the officers.

“However, due to the superior power and tactics of the officers, they were able to neutralise 11 of them.

“The 12 dead bodies, including that of the police officer who was killed during the operation, have been evacuated from the scene and deposited in an undisclosed mortuary in Makurdi.

When contacted, the Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident.

She promised to get back to journalists as soon as she gets full details of the operation.