A brutal attack on the Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State has resulted in the deaths of four police officers and seven civilians. The incident occurred late Thursday night into the early hours of Friday, September 11, 2026, as reported by Punch Newspapers.

The assailants reportedly invaded the community from Alufu Road, which is located in the neighboring Taraba State. The Benue State Police Command confirmed the fatalities, with DSP Peter Aondongu stating that both police personnel and civilians lost their lives during the assault.

In a heartfelt statement, the Prayer and Support for Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PSNAFSA) expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased officers and commended their bravery in the face of danger. The group’s Convener, Mary Abayomi-Fatile, highlighted the courage displayed by the police who responded to the attack, emphasizing that they “placed themselves in harm’s way in the course of protecting lives and defending the community.”

The attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of security operatives in Nigeria, particularly in vulnerable areas. PSNAFSA noted the risks faced by these personnel and called for enhanced support, including better operational equipment, logistics, and welfare provisions. The group urged authorities to intensify efforts to locate those still unaccounted for and to ensure that medical assistance is provided to the injured.

The police and other security forces engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle that reportedly lasted about seven hours, ultimately forcing the assailants to retreat into the nearby forest. This confrontation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by security agencies in maintaining peace and order in the region.

Furthermore, PSNAFSA stressed the importance of improved intelligence-gathering and early-warning mechanisms to preemptively address potential threats before they escalate into violent attacks. They also appealed to local residents to collaborate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid in preventing future incidents.

As the community mourns the loss of its members, the call for justice remains strong. Authorities are urged to identify and apprehend those responsible for this tragic assault, ensuring that such acts of violence do not go unpunished. The PSNAFSA concluded its statement with prayers for the deceased and a reaffirmation of its commitment to supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces and police in their ongoing efforts to protect citizens.