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.

Human rights defender and an Indigene of Southern Kaduna, Steven Kefas, has reported that no fewer than 25 people feared dead following a terrorist attack on Naridon Village in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to Kefas, the attackers, suspected to be suspected armed herdsmen, reportedly stormed the village at about 1:00 a.m on Monday July 27, 2026, opening fire indiscriminately on residents.

Taking to his verified facebook page, Kefas said, “This is a developing story, and more details will follow as they become available”

Meanwhile, Kaduna state police Command’s spokesperson,DSP Mansir Hassan, did not respond or return calls put through his phone to confirm the incident.

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.