The Benue State Police Command has condemned what it described as a fatal cattle rustling attack in Efeyi Ugboju community, Otukpo Local Government Area, where 13 persons were killed and 20 cattle rustled by armed bandits.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, the command said the attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday after armed men invaded the community with the intention of rustling cattle belonging to one Peter Ambulus. According to the police, a distress call was received shortly after the attack, prompting the immediate deployment of operatives to the affected community. Preliminary investigations revealed that the attackers invaded the area to steal cattle before opening fire on farmers they encountered while escaping. “The armed bandits invaded the community with the sole intention of rustling cattle belonging to one Peter Ambulus. While escaping with the rustled cattle, the assailants opened fire on farmers they encountered in the bush,” the statement read.
The command confirmed that 13 persons lost their lives during the attack, while the gunmen successfully rustled 20 cattle. Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, led tactical teams on an operational visit to the community.
According to the statement, the police team came under ambush from suspected members of the cattle rustling syndicate, resulting in a gun battle during which two suspected bandits were neutralised. The police also recovered one AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of ammunition. The command said tactical teams are continuing clearance operations in the surrounding forests and neighbouring communities to arrest fleeing suspects, recover the stolen cattle and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
The Commissioner of Police condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, while directing tactical commanders to sustain the operation until all members of the criminal gang are apprehended. The command further assured residents that measures were being taken to restore normalcy and strengthen security in the affected community, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to assist ongoing investigations.
