Benue Attack: Security Operatives Deploy Drone To Track Bandits

Benue State commissioner of police, Emenari Ifeanyi, has confirmed that an attack by bandits in communities of Asakpa, Ojantele and Okpete in Apa local government area on March 13 led to the death of six villagers.

Ifeanyi explained that security operatives, working alongside troops of “Operation Whirl Stroke”, launched a coordinated operation, including drone surveillance, to track down the attackers who fled into nearby forests.

Emenari said additional security reinforcements, including the Special Intervention Squad and the Counter Terrorism Unit of the police, have since been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks.

Ifeanyi commended the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, for his commitment to the fight against armed herdsmen and bandits.

The commissioner of Police gave the commendation on Monday while providing security updates to journalists in Makurdi, where he said the police were working in synergy with other security agencies to secure rural communities in Benue State against armed herders and bandits.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, in a statement, said CP Ifeanyi commended the support of the Benue State Governor, as well as local authorities, vigilantes, and community youths, describing their cooperation as critical to improving security across the state.

“The Governor does not sleep. He is always on our neck, and he makes provisions for all that we need,” the police commissioner stated.

The Police Commissioner said security agencies were firmly on top of the security situation in the state, assuring residents that concerted operations are ongoing to eliminate criminal elements.

He stressed that the security forces have continued to respond promptly to emerging threats, particularly banditry linked to armed herders and local bandits in parts of the state.

Ifeanyi noted that the police, the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard are conducting regular joint patrols across communities.