The Benue State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that several people were killed and about 30 others were declared missing following an attack on Agadagba Community in Ohimini Local Government Area, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The command said the incident was an attempted cattle rustling operation that was successfully foiled by security operatives and local security volunteers, contrary to reports of a mass killing circulating on some media platforms.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the incident occurred at about 7:45 p.m. on Saturday when armed men suspected to be cattle rustlers invaded a cowshed in the Agadagba Community farm area in an attempt to steal cattle belonging to a resident.
According to the police, security personnel, assisted by local security volunteers, responded swiftly, engaged the suspects and forced them to abandon the operation and flee.
However, while escaping, the suspects reportedly opened fire indiscriminately in an attempt to evade arrest, fatally hitting one community member.
The command stressed that, contrary to reports circulating on some media platforms, only one death was recorded during the incident, while it had not received any official report of 30 missing persons.
It urged journalists, particularly bloggers, to verify information before publication, warning that the dissemination of unverified reports could cause unnecessary panic and undermine public confidence.
Meanwhile, security operatives have intensified efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects as investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property through sustained proactive security operations aimed at denying criminals safe haven in the state.
He also appreciated residents for their continued support and urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.