TheCable

At least 14 gunmen were killed by the police in a foiled attack on Kastina-Ala police station, Kastina-Ala LGA of Benue state. 

Catherine Anene, police spokesperson in Benue, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.

She said the attackers numbering up to 50, invaded the police station in the early hours on Sunday to rescue some of their members arrested and detained on Saturday.

The police spokesperson said the officers on duty, however, repelled the attack, killing 14 of them.

“On 19th June 2021, five bandits were arrested and detained at Kastina-Ala Police Division for investigation and prosecution,” she said.

“On 20th June 2021 at about 0130 hrs more than 50 other gang members of the detainees mobilised and invaded the police station to rescue their counterparts.

“Officers at the division who were already at alert engaged them in a gun duel and were able to subdue the bandits.

“Fourteen of them were brought down during the exchange of fire, while several others escaped with gunshot injuries.

Anene said the command has launched a series of operations to rid of criminal elements in the LGA.

In recent times, communities in Benue have been targeted by gunmen.

Early this month, over 20 people were killed in Odugbeho community in Agatu LGA of the state.

In May, over 30 people were reportedly killed — including students of the College of Education — in Katsina Ala LGA of the state.