Invading bandits have killed four mobile policemen and eight residents in Ayilamo, Tombo Ward of Logo Local Government Area, Benue State, following a prolonged gun battle with security personnel.
Ayilamo, a farming community along the Abinsi-Tyulen-Anyiin-Wukari Road, has come under sustained repeated attacks by armed groups in recent years.
According to The Nation, a resident, Tyolumun Ugande, said more than 200 armed bandits invaded the community from the Alufu Road axis of neighbouring Taraba State before advancing towards Ayilamo.
Ugande said the attackers opened fire on residents and set several houses ablaze as they moved into the community.
A detachment of mobile policemen deployed to the area reportedly engaged the bandits, who were armed with sophisticated weapons, in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
He said the confrontation lasted several hours before the attackers eventually withdrew.
He also said the bodies of four mobile policemen killed during the assault were discovered in the bush on Friday morning.
“Eight residents of Ayilamo were also found dead after the attack,” he added.
The Divisional Police Officer in Ayilamo confirmed the attack and the deaths, saying security authorities had requested reinforcement.
Another resident, James Udough, lamented that the latest attack marked the second time in a month that mobile policemen deployed to the community had been killed.
Udough said the bandits had repeatedly attempted to overrun and burn down Ayilamo for more than two years.
“The bandits have been trying to set the whole Ayilamo ablaze for more than two years now. We call on the Benue and Federal Governments to help secure our land and lives,” he said.
The latest attack has heightened concerns over the security situation in the community, where residents have repeatedly appealed for stronger security measures.
It was also learnt that the sustained attacks may be linked to reports of significant mineral deposits in and around Ayilamo, although the connection has not been independently established.
