The bodies of the eight policemen that went missing after a team of security operatives encountered armed invaders at the border of Katsina-Ala and Ukum Local Government Areas of Benue State, last Friday, have been found, and recovered.
This was separately confirmed by the police public relations officer (PPRO) of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, and the Chairman of the Chairman of Katsina-Ala.
A report by Daily Trust said Shaku confirmed the recovery of the corpses to journalists in Makurdi, the state capital, on telephone.
“This brings the number of officers killed to 11 (10 policemen and one BSCPG),” Shaku said, adding that the Benue State Police Commissioner, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, was on ground to coordinate operations.
“The atmosphere is still tense and unfriendly, but we are on top of the situation,” he noted.
The recovery of the eight bodies brings to 11 the total number of personnel killed during the encounter with the armed invaders.
The team comprised of personnel of Operation Zenda, in conjunction with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG) and the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).
Three operatives, two from the police and another from BSCPG, were reported killed in the encounter, while the eight policemen went missing.
Also on Monday, the Commander of the BSCPG, Capt. Ayuma Ajobi (rtd), told Daily Trust on phone that he lost one operative and two motorcycles to the attack.
