A police officer attached to Operation Zenda, a joint security task force in Benue State, and 11 suspected militia members were killed during a violent confrontation in Buruku Local Government Area.
The incident, which began on Tuesday night near the Buruku-Ushongo border, continued into the following day.
According to a local source, a militia group led by a man known as “Baba Benue” invaded the area, firing sporadically and terrorizing residents. Alarmed by the situation, the community alerted Operation Zenda, which was stationed nearby.
“As soon as security personnel arrived, the militia gang opened fire, killing one police officer. In the ensuing gunfight, 11 of the assailants, including their leader, were neutralized, while several others sustained injuries,” the source reported.
Following the exchange, the surviving gang members retreated into the surrounding forest, with security forces pursuing them to prevent further attacks.
Although calm has been restored, some residents remain fearful and have begun leaving their homes. Security operatives have been deployed to maintain order.
The bodies of the fallen officer and the militia members have been transported to Makurdi and placed in a morgue.
When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer Catherine Anene confirmed the incident but stated that further details were still being gathered.