Benue clash: 7 more dead bodies of security operatives recovered

Tragedy continues to unfold in Benue State as authorities have recovered seven additional bodies of security operatives killed in a violent clash with suspected herders and local militia.

The deadly encounter occurred on September 19 at Agu Centre in Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area, when armed herders and militia members ambushed security personnel, initially leaving three police officers dead.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication monitoring the Lake Chad region, the discovery of the additional bodies has raised the confirmed casualty figure to 11, underscoring the severity of the attack.

The dead include nine police officers, one hunter, and one civil protection guard.

According to the publication, the remains of six police officers and one civil protection guard have been deposited in a nearby morgue.

Makama also said that one officer, John Aledu, an assistant superintendent of police attached to Operation Zenda, is still missing.

Search and rescue operations involving tactical teams, local hunters, and vigilante groups are ongoing to locate him.

Meanwhile, security agencies have arrested 15 more suspects in Ukum LGA in connection with the attack, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to 21.

The state police command assured residents that it remains committed to working with other security agencies to track down all perpetrators of the assault.