By Peter Omopo
Benue, July 10, 2025 — Four members of a joint security patrol have been confirmed dead following an ambush by suspected armed herders in Udei, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack occurred on Tuesday evening as the operatives were conducting a routine patrol along the Daudu–Yelewata axis, a security source told journalists on Thursday.
The victims were members of the Buffalo Squad under Operation Zenda, a multi-agency security unit comprising personnel from the Mobile Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Police Counter-Terrorism Unit, and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards.
According to the source, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak to the media, the patrol team noticed smoke rising from within the bush near Udei, about two kilometres off the highway, and proceeded to investigate.
“On approaching the scene to assess what was going on, they were ambushed by a large group of armed herders riding motorbikes. The attackers were in the process of razing the village when they opened fire on the team,” the source said.
Three security personnel were killed instantly during the confrontation. A fourth operative was initially declared missing. “Later, when his phone was dialed, someone answered in an unfamiliar language, confirming fears that he had also been killed,” the source added.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack. The incident adds to the growing toll of violence linked to the long-running conflict between armed herders and local communities in Benue State.
