The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed that two of its men were killed by rampaging herdsmen in Benue state.
The Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Command of the NSCDC, Mr Adakole John Peter, said the men were killed on Sunday in Awange village of Kasseyo Ward in Guma Local Government Area.
The officers were killed when herdsmen stormed the village 5 pm on Sunday and engaged security operatives in a gun battle, he explained.
He identified the officers as Adams Godwin, an Assistant Superintendent of the Corps, and Abah Patrick, a Senior Corp Assistant.
A member of the community was also killed during the attack before a detachment of the NSCDC special squad deployed in Guma communities repelled the attack.
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“At about 5 pm on Sunday, 11th February 2018, our troops deployed to Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, encountered armed herdsmen who came to attack Awange Village of Kasseyo ward.
“While the attack lasted, a community member was killed, while two of our personnel lost their lives trying to defend the community.
“We quickly mobilised additional men to reinforce the troops who remained gallant in pushing back the herdsmen and as we speak, we are carrying out headcounts both on the side of the community and the attackers.”
The police in Benue State have also confirmed the recovery of the body of one of their four officers declared missing.
The Police had declared four officials missing on Saturday after a mobile patrol team was ambushed by suspected herdsmen in Ayilemo in Logo Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said two of the missing personnel had re-joined their colleagues.
Owoseni had expressed the hope that the two remaining officials would also return unhurt, but that was not to be with one of them had been confirmed killed.
