SAA event in Nigeria on Tue 27th January 2026

Police repel bandits’ attack in Benue, restore calm in Otukpo

By: Zagazola Makama

 The Benue State Police Command has repelled an attack by suspected bandits on police personnel in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

Sources said that the incident occurred on Jan. 27 at about 2:26 p.m.

According to the source, the Commanding Officer of 80 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Odugbo, received information from the military that armed bandits suspected to be Fulani herders had been dislodged from Umogidi community in Otukpo LGA and were fleeing toward Odugbo.

“The CO 80 PMF immediately and proactively deployed PMF personnel who were already on alert.

“On sighting the policemen, the bandits opened fire, leading to a gun duel,” the source said.

The police added that the bandits were forced to retreat into the bush after they were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security operatives.

“No casualty was recorded on the side of the police or the community.

“Normalcy has since returned to the area,” the source said.

The command assured residents that security patrols had been intensified in and around the affected communities to forestall further attacks.