A fierce gun battle between the police and armed bandits in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State has left 12 gunmen dead, while the police lost one officer, Inspector Terfa Anyiatse.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident in a statement issued late Wednesday. She explained that the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force launched raids across the state when the deadly confrontation took place.
Police Walk Into an Ambush
According to Anene, the police team was heading to a known criminal hideout in Agwabi, Tombo Ward, in the early hours of March 19, when the armed bandits ambushed them.
“The operatives ran into an ambush laid by the bandits, who engaged the police in a fierce gun duel,” she stated.
However, the police responded swiftly, countering the attack with superior firepower that overpowered the criminals.
12 Bandits Killed, Others Escape
“At the end of the crossfire, 12 bandits were neutralized while others escaped,” Anene said. “The injured bandits were taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead and their bodies deposited at the morgue.”
Security operatives recovered several dangerous weapons and materials from the scene, including three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and assorted charms.
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Officer Dies From Gunshot Wound
Sadly, Inspector Terfa Anyiatse, one of the officers in the operation, sustained a gunshot wound during the fight. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead by a doctor.
“Unfortunately, one of the police team members, Inspector Terfa Anyiatse, sustained a gunshot injury and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. His corpse has also been deposited at the morgue,” Anene confirmed.
Ongoing Efforts to Capture Escaped Bandits
The police have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining criminals who escaped.
“The command remains committed to flushing out criminals from the state,” Anene emphasized, urging residents to report suspicious movements to security agencies.
The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Benue State, where armed groups continue to operate despite efforts by law enforcement. Many residents are calling for increased government action to ensure lasting peace and security.