The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing one person in Agadagba community in Ohimini local government area of the state, debunking the reported mass killing and missing of many persons in the village.

But residents of the community said three were killed during the attack.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, Sunday night, the police narrated that on Saturday, 25th July, 2026, armed men suspected to be cattle rustlers invaded a cowshed in Agadagba Community farm area in an attempt to rustle the cattle belonging to a resident of the area.

According to the police, security operatives in collaboration with local security volunteers, responded swiftly and successfully repelled the attack, forcing the suspects to abandon their mission and flee the scene.

The police said as the marauders were fleeing from security operatives to evade arrest, they shot indiscriminately to enable them escape,” Unfortunately, one member of the community who was fatally hit, regrettably lost his life”

“Contrary to the false reports being circulated, there was no mass killing, and the Benue State Police Command has not received any report of thirty persons missing in connection with the incident”

“The Benue State Police Command has noted with concern a misleading report circulating on some media platforms alleging that many persons were killed and about thirty others declared missing following an attack in Agadagba Community, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Command categorically states that the report is false, misleading, and does not reflect the actual situation of what transpired”

“Journalists especially bloggers are hereby advised to desist from peddling false narratives that are capable of leading to social dislocation through apprehension and panic in the society. It is advised that adequate investigation should be carried out on such sensitive issues before publication”

Meanwhile, the Command said security operatives have intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, and sustaining proactive operations aimed at denying criminal elements any safe haven within the state.

“The Benue State Police Command appreciates the continued support and cooperation of the good people of the state and encourages members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08066006475 and 07067374913” the statement said.