Suspected gunmen kill police inspector, hunter in Benue

Suspected gunmen have killed two members of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force during an attack on a security checkpoint along the Otukpo–Ohimini road in Benue State.

According to information made available to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the attack happened around 11:59 p.m. on October 22, according to sources who confirmed the incident.

The victims were identified as Inspector Akpan Ogbole of the Nigeria Police Force and Abechi Oche of the Nigeria Forest and Hunters Services.

They were reportedlty shot during a gun battle with the attackers and taken to the Otukpo General Hospital, where they died while receiving treatment.

“The sources said tactical teams led by the Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) had been deployed to Otukpo Area Command to coordinate aggressive anti-crime operations aimed at arresting the perpetrators and dismantling criminal gangs operating in the area,” said Makama on his X handle.

Police authorities said the gunmen escaped with an AK-47 rifle belonging to the police and a pump-action gun belonging to the Forest and Hunters Services.

The bodies of the victims have been deposited at the hospital mortuary.

Security sources added that tactical teams, led by the Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), have been deployed to the area to hunt down the killers and dismantle criminal groups operating around Otukpo.

The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has also launched a full investigation into the attack.