Fear and grief have gripped Ayilamo, a farming community in Benue State, following a deadly overnight attack by suspected bandits who reportedly invaded the area in the early hours of yesterday.
The community, located along the Abinsi-Tyulen-Anyiin-Wukari road, has in recent times come under repeated attacks by armed groups, leaving residents increasingly concerned about their safety and the security of lives and property.
According to an eyewitness and resident who spoke to THISDAY, more than 200 armed men allegedly entered the community through the Amafu Road axis from neighbouring Taraba State at about 2 a.m. The attackers reportedly opened fire sporadically and set several houses ablaze, sending residents fleeing for safety.
The situation soon escalated into a fierce gun battle after Mobile Police personnel deployed to the community confronted the attackers.
The eyewitness, Ugande, said the confrontation lasted several hours before the attackers were eventually repelled.
“The bandits invaded the community at about 2 a.m., and the policemen engaged them in a gun duel. After several hours of exchange of gunfire, the bandits were repelled. But this morning, the lifeless bodies of four Mobile Police officers were found in the bush,” he said.
Ugande added that eight residents were also found dead after the attack.
“We also discovered the bodies of eight residents of Ayilamo who were killed by the bandits,” he added.
The Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area confirmed the killings and said reinforcement was being deployed to Ayilamo to strengthen security and prevent further attacks.
For residents, however, the latest assault has deepened concerns over the worsening security situation in the community.
Another resident, James Udough, said the incident was the second attack within a month in which Mobile Police personnel deployed to Ayilamo had reportedly been killed.
Udough further alleged that the attackers intended to set the entire community ablaze before security personnel engaged them.
With homes reportedly destroyed and lives lost, residents have appealed to the Benue State and federal governments to urgently deploy additional security personnel to the area.
They said a stronger security presence was needed to protect residents, safeguard their property and prevent Ayilamo from becoming increasingly vulnerable to armed attacks.
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