The Benue State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging the withdrawal of Mobile Police personnel from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of the state, amid growing fears of possible attacks by armed bandits.
The command described the reports as false, insisting that Mobile Police operatives remained deployed in the community alongside divisional police officers and other tactical teams.
The police spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, said the security presence in the area had not been withdrawn as reported in the media.
“The report alleging the withdrawal of Mobile Police personnel from Ayilamo is false. Mobile Police personnel remain stationed in the area, alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical teams,” the command stated.
Aondogwu also disclosed that the military had deployed additional personnel to reinforce security in the area, urging residents to disregard reports suggesting that the community had been abandoned by security agencies.
However, the police denial came amid reports of heightened tension in Ayilamo following claims that a detachment of Mobile Police personnel had left the community with their equipment and an Armoured Personnel Carrier on Wednesday evening.
The reported withdrawal, which allegedly occurred at about 8pm, reportedly sparked panic among residents who feared renewed attacks by armed bandits.
The traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Chief Torkoer Samuel, had also reportedly confirmed the departure of the Mobile Police personnel, disputing claims that military reinforcements were present in the community.
Residents have expressed concerns over their safety, particularly the threat posed by armed groups operating in parts of the area.
The development has renewed calls for sustained security deployment to protect lives and property in the troubled community.
The police, however, maintained that security personnel remained on the ground and advised members of the public against spreading what the command described as misleading information.
