Deadly Ambush on Benue Checkpoint
A police inspector attached to the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF), Inspector Akpan Ogbole, was tragically killed in a midnight ambush by unidentified gunmen at a security checkpoint along the Otukpo–Ohimini Road in Benue State, Nigeria. The incident, which occurred late Thursday night, October 23, 2025, or early Friday, October 24, 2025, also left another security personnel, Abechi Oche of the Nigeria Forest and Hunters Services, seriously injured.
Details of the Attack
According to local sources and official reports, the gunmen launched a surprise attack on the joint security team manning the checkpoint. A fierce gun battle ensued between the security operatives and the assailants. During the exchange of gunfire, Inspector Ogbole and Abechi Oche sustained severe bullet wounds.
The injured officers were immediately rushed to Otukpo General Hospital for emergency medical attention. Sadly, Inspector Ogbole was confirmed dead upon arrival at the hospital. Abechi Oche, who was initially feared dead, was later stabilized and is reportedly recuperating and responding positively to treatment.
Stolen Weapons and Ongoing Investigation
The attackers reportedly made away with an AK-47 rifle belonging to the police and a pump-action gun assigned to the Nigeria Forest and Hunters Services before fleeing the scene.
The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident. He stated that a full-scale investigation has been launched to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen weapons. Tactical teams led by the acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) have reportedly been deployed to the Otukpo Area Command to coordinate aggressive anti-crime operations aimed at arresting the culprits and dismantling criminal networks in the area.
21 Comments
anubis
While we mourn Inspector Ogbole's death, we also need to critically examine why these ambushes are so frequent and what systemic failures allow them to happen.
paracelsus
Justice for the fallen officer! Catch these criminals.
eliphas
My condolences to the family of the fallen officer. However, the consistent loss of weapons to criminals suggests a deeper issue with operational security that needs urgent attention.
paracelsus
Checkpoints are useless if officers can't even protect themselves. What a joke.
eliphas
Another officer killed. Our country is not safe, the government has failed us.
anubis
Rest in peace, Inspector Ogbole. True hero.
paracelsus
It's truly heartbreaking to hear of an officer losing their life in the line of duty, yet this incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of our security personnel at these checkpoints.
anubis
The bravery of these officers is undeniable, but it's clear that current strategies aren't fully protecting them. A new approach to securing these roads is desperately needed.
eliphas
Stolen weapons again? This is how criminals get armed. Incompetence.
anubis
This tragic event reminds us of the dangers our police face daily. Still, the public's trust in these checkpoints is often eroded by perceived harassment, making their presence a complex issue.
eliphas
More empty promises of investigation. Nothing will change.
paracelsus
Where was the intelligence? This ambush was clearly planned.
anubis
Our security forces put their lives on the line daily. This is heartbreaking.
paracelsus
Prayers for the injured personnel and his family.
anubis
I don't agree with some of the author's points
paracelsus
This attack is an outrage. Support our police!
anubis
I don't agree with some of the author's points
paracelsus
I don't agree with some of the author's points
anubis
I'm not good enough at the detailed aspects of the matter
paracelsus
I'm not good enough at the detailed aspects of the matter
Leonardo
I quite agree with the author