Benue: 2 NSCDC operatives killed, others missing in herdsmen ambush

A joint security patrol in Benue State turned tragic on Thursday as suspected armed herdsmen ambushed a team of operatives, killing two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and leaving others injured and missing.

The attack occurred around 3:30 p.m. along Ukohol Road in Guma Local Government Area, a region that has witnessed recurring violence in recent years.

According to NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer, Michael Ejelikwu, the two slain operatives were identified as Assistant Superintendent of Corps I (ASCI) Adoli Simon and ASCI Ernest Tyolumun Ayilla. Ejelikwu confirmed that three other personnel sustained injuries in the attack, while three team members remain unaccounted for as of the latest update.

An anonymous security source who spoke to Leadership disclosed that the initial report suggested only one fatality, but the full extent of the ambush has since been confirmed to be more severe.

According to the source, “The joint patrol team were on a routine operation and spotted a community which was set on fire by the armed herders few kilometers away from where they were and decided to go there.”

As the team advanced toward the scene, they reportedly walked into an ambush set by the attackers. A local source confirmed that the heavily armed men opened fire, fatally wounding two of the officers.

Among those injured were Police Inspector Ochepo Benjamin and an unnamed NSCDC officer. Both are currently receiving medical treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi.

Meanwhile, the whereabouts of a Police Inspector identified as Muhammed and two other NSCDC operatives remain unknown. A coordinated search operation is underway in an effort to locate them.

When contacted for comment, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had no information regarding the incident.

The patrol team was made up of personnel from several units, including the Police Mobile Force (13 PMF, 58 PMF), State Intelligence Services (SIS), Operation Zenda, Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), the NSCDC, Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and local vigilantes.