Panic Grips Benue Community as Bandits Threaten Revenge for Fallen Members
Residents of Agwabi community in the Tombo council ward of Buruku Local Government Area are fleeing in large numbers after armed bandits issued threats to avenge the deaths of their members, who were killed by operatives of the Benue State Joint Security Taskforce, “Operation Zenda,” on Wednesday.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the operatives of “Operation Zenda” raided a militia hideout in the area. In the ensuing gunfight, a police inspector, Terfa Anyiatse, was killed, along with 11 bandits.
Locals have expressed fear, as the bandits are now on a rampage, threatening to retaliate for the deaths of their comrades.
Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident and further reported that in other operations across Daudu and Makurdi, police divisions arrested 37 suspected robbers and cultists, while also recovering seven locally-made pistols.
According to Anene, “The operation is part of the efforts by Commissioner of Police, CP Steve Yabanet, to direct Tactical Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to aggressively target criminals.”
She elaborated on the Agwabi operation: “On March 19, 2025, at around 2:00 AM, while police operatives were approaching a criminal hideout at Agwabi, Tombo ward, Buruku Local Government Area, they were ambushed by the bandits. A fierce gun battle ensued, which led to the death of one of our officers.”
In response, police forces countered the ambush with superior firepower, ultimately neutralizing 12 bandits, with others fleeing the scene. The surviving bandits were taken to the hospital, where they were later confirmed dead. Their bodies were deposited in the hospital morgue.
Recovered from the scene were three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and various charms.
Unfortunately, one police team member, Inspector Terfa Anyiatse, was injured during the ambush and succumbed to his injuries. His body has also been placed in the morgue.
The Commissioner of Police expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen officer, prayed for the repose of his soul, and praised the bravery of the operatives involved in the operation.
