Gunmen Kill Two Security Operatives in Benue Ambush

Two members of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force were killed when suspected gunmen attacked a security checkpoint along the Otukpo–Ohimini Road in Benue State late on Tuesday night.

Security sources confirmed that the incident occurred around 11:59 p.m. on October 22, during a gun battle between the attackers and members of the task force.

The victims were identified as Inspector Akpan Ogbole of the Nigeria Police Force and Abechi Oche of the Nigeria Forest and Hunters Services.

They were reportedly shot during the exchange of gunfire and rushed to the Otukpo General Hospital, where they later died while receiving treatment.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the development on his X handle, the attackers escaped with an AK-47 rifle belonging to the police and a pump-action gun owned by the Forest and Hunters Services.

Makama quoted sources as saying that tactical teams, led by the Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), had been deployed to the Otukpo Area Command to coordinate a major anti-crime operation in response to the incident.

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has opened a full investigation into the attack.

Security operatives have since launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, with teams deployed to track and dismantle criminal networks believed to be operating around the Otukpo axis.

The bodies of the slain officers have been deposited at the Otukpo General Hospital mortuary.