Multiple Fatalities in Gun Battle Between Security Operatives and Invaders in Benue State

Strategic Insights -

Rival armed groups engaged in a prolonged gun battle on Sunday, resulting in multiple fatalities, including at least four policemen, in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The attack occurred at Ortese and Udei communities, which are close to Yelwata, where over 100 people were killed in a separate incident the previous weekend. Locals had warned security agencies about the movement of the invaders several days prior to the attack.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least four policemen were killed in a gun battle between security operatives and armed invaders in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
  • The attack occurred at Ortese and Udei communities, which are near Yelwata, where over 100 people were killed the previous weekend.
  • Locals had raised an alarm about the movement of the invaders several days prior to the attack, warning security agencies about the potential threat.
  • The villagers reported that they had seen armed personnel masquerading as herders, which further highlights the complexity of the conflict in the region.
  • A former government official, Matthew Mnyan, noted that the attack was simultaneous, with another group attacking Udei and killing four mobile policemen while security operatives were repelling them in Ortese.
  • Security operatives have been mobilized to Udei, but the residents, including IDPs in Ortese, are in fear and calling for more defense.
  • The Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, did not respond to calls or messages for comment on the incident.
  • The spokesperson of the Operations Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, initially declined to comment on the efforts being made by soldiers to repel the attackers.

Statistics:

  • At least 4 policemen were killed in the gun battle.
  • Over 100 people were killed in a separate incident at Yelwata in the previous weekend.
  • Several days prior to the attack, locals had reported seeing armed personnel masquerading as herders.
  • The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Benue State, which has experienced repeated attacks in recent weeks.

Sources:

  • Our correspondent (no date specified)
  • Matthew Mnyan, former government official (no date specified)
  • Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet (no date specified)
  • Operations Whirl Stroke (OPWS), spokesperson, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu (no date specified)