Four Police, Seven Civilians Killed in Benue State Attack

Armed attackers killed four police officers and seven civilians in a prolonged assault on the Ayilamo community in Benue State, Nigeria, according to police and local residents. The attack began on the evening of September 10, 2026, and lasted approximately seven hours before the assailants were repelled and fled into the surrounding forest. The Benue State Police Command confirmed the casualties, identifying the slain officers as Paul Ina, Mohammed Yusuf, Oge Ikechukwu, and Edeh Andrew. Their bodies were recovered from nearby bushes during search operations. Seven civilians were also killed, with their bodies recovered after the attack and deposited at a mortuary. Residents described a large-scale invasion. Tyolumun Ugande, a local resident, stated that about 200 suspected armed herders entered the community, shooting at residents and burning houses. He said a detachment of Mobile Police officers confronted the attackers, who were armed with sophisticated weapons. Umishi Terungwa, Secretary of the Ayilamo Security Committee, confirmed the attack and listed some of the civilian victims, including community elders and two children.