Security operatives have repelled an attempted attack by suspected armed bandits on Owewe village in Ichama community, Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred at about 4:30am on December 30, when residents had gathered for a burial ceremony.
Security sources said the timely intervention of patrol teams prevented what could have been a major assault on the community.
Operatives of the Benue State Police Command, working in concert with personnel of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, were said to have responded swiftly to a distress alert and engaged the attackers.
The assailants were reportedly forced to retreat after being overpowered during the encounter.
In the aftermath, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Okpokwu Division deployed additional personnel to secure the area and personally led a follow-up operation to track the fleeing suspects.
Investigations into the
attempted attack have since been taken over by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), as security agencies intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.