Eleven people, including four policemen and seven civilians, have been killed in an attack by suspected armed herders on Ayilamo community in Tombo Council Ward of Logo Local Government Area, Benue State.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the attack on Friday, saying the incident occurred between Thursday night and the early hours of Friday.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, said four police officers and seven civilians were killed during the attack.

Residents said the attackers, numbering about 200, reportedly invaded the community through Alufu Road in neighbouring Taraba State.

A resident, Tyolumun Ugande, said the assailants opened fire on residents and set houses ablaze, prompting a detachment of Mobile Policemen deployed to the community to engage them.

Ugande said the gunmen eventually retreated after several hours of exchange of gunfire, while the bodies of four Mobile Policemen and residents were later recovered from the bush.

The Secretary of the Ayilamo Security Committee, Umishi Terungwa, also confirmed the attack and said several elders, community members and security personnel were among the victims.

The four police officers killed were identified as ASP Paul Ina, Inspector Mohammed Yusuf, Inspector Oge Ikechukwu and Inspector Edeh Andrew.

Civilian victims were identified as Baba Nyikyaa Mbanengen Agia, Mkohol Ahowe, Agah Saanmoyol, also known as Dodo, Baba Mlahaga Kpurkpur, Geoffrey Aondoakaa Gaku, popularly known as Bala, and two children.

While an initial account put the death toll at 12, including four policemen and eight civilians, the police later confirmed that 11 people were killed in the attack — four police officers and seven civilians.