Gunmen Attack Security Checkpoint in Benue, Kill Police Officer, Steal Rifles

Unidentified gunmen have killed a police officer and seriously injured a member of the Nigeria Forest and Hunters Services in a late-night attack on a security checkpoint along the Otukpo–Ohimini road in Benue State.

The incident occurred around midnight on Thursday when the assailants launched a surprise attack on the joint Operation Zenda security team stationed on the highway.

According to a local source, the gunmen opened fire on the security personnel, triggering a fierce gun battle. During the exchange, Inspector Akpan Ogbole of the Nigeria Police Force and Abechi Oche of the Nigeria Forest and Hunters Services sustained severe gunshot wounds.

“The armed men and the security personnel engaged in a fierce gun duel that left the two officers critically injured,” the source said, adding that the attackers escaped with an AK-47 rifle belonging to the police and a pump-action gun assigned to the Forest and Hunters Services.

The wounded officers were rushed to Otukpo General Hospital for emergency treatment. Sadly, Inspector Ogbole was confirmed dead on arrival, while Oche was stabilised and is reportedly recovering after initially being feared dead.

A relative of the injured forest officer, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity, confirmed that he is responding positively to treatment.

Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, confirmed the attack, noting that a full-scale investigation has begun to track down the perpetrators.

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