Benue Community Mourns as Police Inspector, Civilian Die in Agatu Attack

Tragedy struck Ipelle village in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State after suspected herders launched a deadly attack, killing a police inspector and a civilian.

The slain officer, identified as Inspector Daniel Omanyebu, was attached to the Ipelle Police Outpost under the Agatu Division. Reports indicate that the attack occurred earlier this week, throwing the community into mourning.

Following the incident, the Benue State Police Command deployed tactical units — including Operation Zenda, the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), and divisional patrol teams — to secure the area and prevent further violence.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that the Area Commander, Otukpo, has temporarily relocated to Agatu to coordinate ongoing security operations on the ground.

Authorities confirmed that Inspector Omanyebu’s body has been recovered and deposited at the mortuary, while the Benue State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the case.

Police say efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the attackers responsible for the killings. The incident has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges faced by rural communities in Benue State, particularly in the Agatu axis.