Security operatives of the Nigerian Army and the Police have repelled an attempted bandit attack on Ankpali Village in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, killing one of the assailants.
Zagazola Makama reports that the attack occurred at about 2.45 am on Wednesday.
“Immediately we received the distress call that Ankpali Village was under attack, troops and police operatives were mobilised to the area,” a security source said.
Reinforcements from the Nigerian Army and the 80 Police Mobile Force joined the operation promptly.
The source said that in the ensuing gun battle, the attackers were forced to retreat.
“In the exchange of fire, one of the bandits was neutralised. His body was recovered and deposited at the local mortuary,” the source added.
Security operatives have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
“Operations are ongoing to track down and apprehend the other members of the gang who escaped,” the source said.
Residents of the community reportedly commended the swift intervention by the security agencies.
“The timely response prevented what could have been a major tragedy in the village,” a resident said, noting that no civilian casualties were recorded during the incident.
Security forces kill one bandit, repel attack on Benue village
