Jalingo, Taraba State – In a deeply disturbing turn of events that underscores the relentless and escalating conflict in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, four gallant police officers have tragically lost their lives. The officers, members of the 12 Police Mobile Force (PMF) unit, were ambushed and killed by suspected armed herdsmen in Udei village, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, on Sunday, June 30. This latest bloodbath not only deepens the humanitarian crisis in the “Food Basket of the Nation” but also highlights the extreme dangers faced by security personnel tirelessly working to protect vulnerable communities, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The incident, initially reported by Leadership, reveals a chilling pattern of calculated aggression by the renegade herders, who appear to be systematically targeting communities and IDP camps that have become symbols of resilience and efforts towards normalcy. The ambush on these brave officers occurred as they violently resisted attempts by the assailants to launch simultaneous, devastating attacks on multiple communities, including Daudu, Tse Ashongu, and Tse Asha. Their resistance, though ultimately fatal for some, was a testament to their unwavering commitment to duty and the protection of innocent lives.
A Battle for Survival: The Escalating Conflict
Benue State has, for years, been at the epicenter of the protracted and often bloody conflict between nomadic herders and settled farming communities. What began as clashes over grazing rights and resources has tragically morphed into a complex web of violence, land dispossession, and humanitarian crises. Thousands have been killed, countless displaced, and vast swathes of agricultural land rendered unproductive, creating a pervasive atmosphere of fear and instability.
Sunday’s attack in Udei was not an isolated act but part of a larger, coordinated offensive. According to local residents, a combined team of security officers, already stationed in the area due to persistent threats, engaged the marauding herders when they attempted to invade the Ortese Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp. This camp, currently hosting thousands of vulnerable individuals forced from their ancestral homes, represents a fragile sanctuary constantly under threat.
A local source, whose identity remains protected for security reasons, expressed the profound fear gripping the community: “I think the herders constantly hearing about the return of the IDPs to their ancestral homes are targeting the camps now. This time around, it’s the Ortese Camp which is hosting thousands of IDPs. If not the quick intervention of the military personnel and other security agencies stationed in the area who engaged the marauders in the bush and halted their move into Ortese camp, the world would have stood still for this one.” This testimony highlights the critical, life-saving role played by security forces in preventing what could have been an even more catastrophic massacre. The herders’ strategy, seemingly aimed at disrupting any semblance of return or resettlement for displaced communities, underscores the deep-seated nature of the conflict.
The Ambush: A Trapped Force
Local youth, identified only as Kaase, provided a more detailed account of the events leading to the tragic ambush. He recounted an earlier attempt by the herders to invade Daudu, which was successfully repelled by vigilant security guards. The frustrated attackers then fled towards Tse Ashongu and Asha, but the alert residents in those areas had already fled, denying the assailants their intended targets.
Driven by their destructive agenda, the marauding herders then set their sights on the Ortese IDPs camp. As they advanced, they began firing intermittently, a common tactic to instill fear and panic among the displaced persons even before their arrival. However, their advance was met with fierce resistance. The combined team of Nigerian Army personnel and other security agencies stationed in the area engaged them in a fierce gun battle in the bush. This decisive engagement successfully halted the herders’ move into Ortese camp, forcing them to flee once more.
Their retreat, however, led them directly into Udei Town, a community situated a mere “stone’s throw” from Yelwata, the very community that had suffered a horrific attack just 16 days prior, resulting in over 150 fatalities. It was in Udei that the final, deadly confrontation occurred. The herders began firing intermittently again, seeking to terrify the local populace. They then stumbled upon a team of mobile police officers stationed there. What ensued was a desperate gunfight. Tragically, in the exchange of fire, four of the brave officers were killed. The attackers, displaying their callous disregard for law enforcement, then proceeded to disarm the fallen officers, seizing their weapons and ammunition before disappearing into the volatile landscape.
The Fallen Heroes and Injured Personnel
The nation mourns the loss of these four dedicated police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. They have been identified as:
- Inspector Samuel Bisalla
- Inspector Emmanuel Bitrus
- Inspector John Sunday
- Inspector Kenneth Gabriel
Their names now join the growing list of security personnel who have fallen victim to the relentless violence in various parts of Nigeria. Their sacrifice underscores the immense risks and personal courage required to serve in such volatile environments.
Two other personnel, ASP Jacob Elisha and Inspector Zakari Bangajiya, sustained injuries during the harrowing encounter. While initial reports indicated they suffered from exhaustion and shock, they were swiftly rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi for urgent medical attention. Updates suggest that both officers are currently responding to treatment, offering a small glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy. Their recovery is paramount, not just for their personal well-being but also as a testament to the resilience of those who continue to serve despite immense personal risks.
Immediate Response and Lingering Questions
In the immediate aftermath of the Udei attack, security authorities moved swiftly to reinforce their presence and prevent further loss of life or property. Special tactical units and a reinforced team equipped with an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) have been promptly deployed to Udei and the Daudu Divisional Headquarters. The objective of this deployment is clear: to forestall any further incidents, deter additional attacks, and restore a semblance of calm and order in the area. Such rapid deployment is crucial for reassuring terrified residents and asserting state authority in volatile zones.
However, despite these immediate responses, the broader context of the attack raises alarming questions. The Udei incident occurred merely 16 days after a similar, devastating attack on Yelewata Community. That previous assault resulted in the deaths of over 150 innocent people, with numerous others sustaining injuries and still undergoing treatment in various hospitals. The proximity and similarity of these attacks highlight a persistent security challenge that seems to defy conventional solutions.
As of the time of reporting, the Benue State police command has yet to issue an official comment on this latest development. This silence, while sometimes due to ongoing investigations or strategic reasons, often fuels public anxiety and questions about the official narrative and the state’s comprehensive plan to address the root causes of this enduring conflict.
The killing of four police officers in Benue is a stark reminder of the human cost of insecurity in Nigeria. It underscores the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach that combines robust security operations with long-term solutions addressing the underlying drivers of conflict, such as land disputes, resource scarcity, and ethnic grievances. Without comprehensive and sustainable strategies, the cycle of violence, displacement, and loss will tragically continue to plague the lives of ordinary Nigerians and the brave men and women who vow to protect them. The sacrifice of Inspectors Bisalla, Bitrus, Sunday, and Gabriel must serve as a poignant call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize peace and security in Benue State and across the nation.
