The Benue State Police Command has announced the murder of one of its officers recently kidnapped by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the state.
Four policemen were last week kidnapped and a security van burnt down after suspected Fulani herdsmen ambushed security men in Logo LGA of the state.
The officers were said to have been returning from a confidence-building mission in remote villages when suspected herdsmen opened fire on them in Tse Akpam village, near Azege town.
The command’s PRO, Moses Yamu, said on Monday that the lifeless body of the officer was discovered with both eyes, ears and nose removed.
“The Command regrets to announce the death of one of its NCO, who was one of the two remaining missing policemen in the attack of 9/2/2018.
“He was found brutally slaughtered, with eyes and ears as well as nose removed. We pray that God Almighty grants him eternal rest.
“However, the police remain committed to its statutory and daunting obligation of ensuring security as well as protection of lives and property of all,” the statement concluded.
In a related development, two officers of the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps were reported found dead in Benue State following a gun battle with armed attackers suspected to be herdsmen.
“They were in a gun duel with the herders and, unfortunately, we lost two,” NSCDC spokesperson, Emmanuel Okeh, was quoted Monday evening.
The attack occurred in Guma Local Government Area of the state.
Some residents of the area claim that four NSCDC officers were killed in the attack, but Mr. Okeh confirmed two.
The remains of the officers have been taken to the Benue State Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, the state capital, he said.