A policeman was killed by unknown gunmen in Tse Harga community of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area in Benue State, in the early hours of Thursday March 11.

The gunmen who are suspected to be loyalists of the slain criminal kingpin, Terwase Akwaza popularly known as ‘Gana’, stormed the rural area at about 4:00 am, shot sporadically and also set several buildings including a police station and police pick-up van on fire.

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Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) however quelled the attack in collaboration with the Police. They reportedly killed one of the suspected bandits in a swift counter-response.

Council Chairman of Katsina-Ala, Alfred Atera who spoke to Daily Trust confirmed the attack and also disclosed that one policeman was killed in the attack while the police station, a police vehicle and several houses were burnt by the bandits.

He also said that youths in Tse Harga formed a vigilante group and have been doing well to contain insecurity in their domain.

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According To Atere:

“The armed bandits targetted the youth who formed themselves into a vigilante group.

“They stormed the area (Tse Harga), burn the police station, police pick-up van and killed a policeman there.

“They also burnt several houses which I cannot ascertain now. But as for the locals, nobody was killed.”

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue Command, DSP Catherine Anene also confirmed the killing of a policeman in the affected area.