The Benue State Police Command has claimed that thirteen farmers were killed during  ‘deadly cattle rustling attack’.

Police said that the armed bandits successfully rustled twenty cattle.

The Command has said it strongly condemned the, “deadly cattle rustling attack that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 28th July, 2026, at Efeyi Ugboju Community, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State”

The statement issued by the new Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, on Wednesday, the Command stated that a distress call was received reporting that armed bandits had invaded the Efeyi community.

The statement said upon receipt of the report, police operatives were immediately mobilised and deployed to the scene.

According to the statement, preliminary investigation revealed that the armed bandits invaded the community with, “the sole intention of rustling cattle belonging to one Peter Ambulus ‘M’, a native of the area. While escaping with the rustled cattle, the assailants opened fire on farmers they encountered in the bush”

“Regrettably, thirteen (13) persons lost their lives during the attack, while the hoodlums successfully rustled twenty (20) cattle”

The command stated that following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Cletus Nwadiogbu, visited the affected community for an on-the-spot assessment and ,”immediately led coordinated clearance operations alongside tactical teams”

DSP Aondongu explained further that during the operation, the police team came under ambush by suspected members of the cattle rustling syndicate, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire, “At the end of the operation, two (2) of the suspected bandits were neutralised, while one (1) AK-47 rifle and (15) rounds of ammunition was recovered”

“The operation is still ongoing, with tactical teams combing the surrounding forests and adjoining communities to apprehend the fleeing suspects, recover the rustled cattle, and ensure that all those connected with the attack are brought to justice”

The Commissioner of Police has condemned the heinous attack and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

He further directed tactical and operational commanders to sustain the ongoing operation until every member of the criminal gang is apprehended.

The Benue State Police Command reassured residents that every necessary measure is being taken to restore normalcy and strengthen security within the affected community and its environs.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, remain security conscious, and continue to support the police by providing timely and credible information that will aid the ongoing operation” the statement said.