Tension has heightened in Ayilamo town, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, following the reported withdrawal of mobile policemen deployed to protect the troubled community.
Reports indicated that the detachment of mobile policemen, who had been defending the community against attacks by armed bandits, withdrew with their belongings, equipment and an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
The development reportedly triggered panic among residents, many of whom were unable to sleep amid fears that the community had been left vulnerable to attacks.
A community leader, Jonathan Zaye, recalled that a similar withdrawal in Anyibe several years ago preceded devastating attacks by armed bandits.
“The bandits overran Anyibe and advanced to Ayilamo, killing residents, burning houses and destroying farmlands after security agencies withdrew from the community,” he said.
Traumatised residents have appealed to security agencies and government authorities to urgently reinforce security and protect Ayilamo against possible attacks.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, had yet to respond to enquiries sent to his official WhatsApp account as of the time of filing this report.
