The Udei community in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, became the scene of a tragic incident involving suspected armed herders and a joint security patrol. On Tuesday evening, a combined force of security personnel, known as the Buffalo Squad of Operation Zenda, was conducting a routine patrol along the Daudu-Yelewata road. The squad, composed of members from the Mobile Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Police Counter-Terrorism Unit, and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, encountered a disturbing sight near Udei – a plume of smoke rising from within the community, located approximately two kilometers off the main road. Driven by their duty to investigate, the patrol veered off-road to ascertain the cause of the fire. Little did they know, this seemingly routine investigation would lead them into a deadly ambush.
As the security team approached Udei, they were ambushed by a large contingent of armed herders, reportedly arriving on motorcycles and actively engaged in setting fire to the village. The ensuing firefight resulted in the tragic deaths of three security personnel, with a fourth member initially reported missing. Disturbingly, a subsequent call to the missing officer’s mobile phone was answered by someone speaking an unfamiliar language, leading to the grim conclusion that he too had been killed. Two mobile policemen and two civil defense officers were ultimately confirmed among the casualties of this brutal attack. The ambush, orchestrated by a significant number of armed herders, underscores the escalating violence and insecurity plaguing the region.
The attack on the joint security patrol highlights the dangerous and volatile security situation in parts of Benue State. The audacity of the attack, targeting a well-equipped security force, raises serious concerns about the growing capabilities and emboldened actions of these armed groups. The ambush also brings to the fore the challenges faced by security forces in maintaining order and protecting communities in these vulnerable areas. The incident further underscores the urgent need for a more comprehensive and robust security approach to address the root causes of these attacks and protect the lives and livelihoods of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Following the ambush, security forces were reportedly reinforced on Wednesday and launched a counter-offensive into the surrounding ungoverned areas. This operation aimed to clear out the armed groups responsible for the attack and restore security to the affected community. The swift response by security forces aimed to demonstrate resolve and prevent further attacks, though the effectiveness of these operations in tackling the underlying issues remains to be seen. The cycle of violence and retaliation underscores the fragility of the security situation and the urgent need for long-term solutions.
Official confirmation of the attack came from Michael Ejelikwu, the State Public Relations Officer for the NSCDC, who acknowledged the loss of two NSCDC personnel, ASCI Simon Adoli and ASCI Ernest Ayilla. Ejelikwu expressed regret over the tragic loss of life while emphasizing the NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity, despite the ongoing threat posed by armed herders. His statement reiterated the ongoing collaboration between the NSCDC and other security agencies in confronting these security challenges. However, at the time of reporting, the Police Public Relations Officer for the State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, had yet to issue a statement on the incident, despite being contacted for comment.
The attack on the joint security patrol in Udei village underscores the precarious security situation in the region and the persistent challenges posed by armed groups. The deaths of four security personnel highlight both the human cost of this conflict and the dangers faced by those tasked with maintaining peace and security. The incident further emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach, incorporating security measures, community engagement, and addressing the underlying drivers of conflict, to achieve lasting peace and stability in the affected areas. The ongoing violence continues to disrupt lives, livelihoods, and the overall sense of security in these communities, demanding a sustained and comprehensive response from authorities.
