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An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Aondoaver Asom, attached to the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF), has tragically died from gunshot wounds sustained while courageously repelling an armed robbery ambush in Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred on February 24, 2026, when ASP Asom was traveling in a commercial vehicle to his new posting. Armed robbers ambushed the vehicle at Amile along the Ugbemema-Jato-Aka road. In the ensuing gun battle, the officer defended himself and the other passengers, successfully neutralizing three of the attackers before sustaining life-threatening injuries.
He was immediately rushed to the General Hospital in Gboko for treatment but was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
ASP Asom’s heroic action prevented what could have been a more devastating outcome for the passengers in the vehicle. The Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but community sources and eyewitness accounts have praised his bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty.
The death of the officer adds to the growing toll on security personnel in Benue amid persistent threats of armed robbery, kidnapping, and banditry along major roads and rural communities. Colleagues and residents have described ASP Asom as a dedicated and fearless officer whose final act exemplified the risks law enforcement officers face daily while protecting lives and property.
Investigations into the robbery attack are ongoing, with authorities yet to confirm whether any of the neutralized assailants have been identified or linked to larger criminal networks operating in the area.
