Two Security Operatives Killed as gunmen attack checkpoint in Benue

Two Security Operatives Killed as gunmen attack checkpoint in Benue

By Johnson Arua

Two operatives of Operation Zenda, the Joint Security Task Force (JTF) in Benue State, have been killed by unidentified gunmen at a checkpoint along the Otukpo–Ohimini Road.

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

Though there are claims by family members that Abechi Oche is being stabilised at the hospital.

According to a local source who pleaded anonymity, the officers were attacked late Wednesday night while on duty. They sustained gunshot injuries during an exchange of fire with the assailants and were rushed to the Otukpo General Hospital, where they later died while receiving treatment.

The source added that the gunmen made away with an AK-47 rifle belonging to the police officer and a pump-action gun belonging to the forest guard.

It was further gathered that a tactical team led by the Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) has been deployed to the Otukpo Area Command to coordinate efforts to track down the perpetrators.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue State, SP Udeme Eden, confirmed the incident, saying only that “the matter is under investigation.”