Gunmen, yet to be identified, have attacked a checkpoint along the Otukpo/Ohimini road in Benue State, killing one member of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) of the Benue State Police Command.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred late in the night around 11:59 pm on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

The victims were identified as Inspector Akpan Ogbole of the Nigeria Police Force and Abechi Oche of the Nigeria Forest and Hunters Services.

Sources said the officers sustained severe gunshot injuries during a fierce exchange of fire with the assailants.

They were immediately rushed to Otukpo General Hospital for medical attention but Akpan Ogbole was later confirmed dead while Abechi Oche was said to be in the hospital where he is receiving treatment. The source said the remain of the deceased have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary.

Authorities revealed that the attackers carted away an AK-47 rifle belonging to the police and a pump-action gun assigned to the Forest and Hunters Services.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said the matter is under investigation. (The Sun)