By Evelyn Usman

The Prayer and Support for Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies, PSAFSA, has raised concern over the growing risks confronting security personnel in the course of protecting vulnerable communities, following the killing of four policemen and seven other persons in an attack on Ayilamo community, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The organisation said the incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 10, 2026, brings to light the need for stronger institutional, operational and public support for personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces and other security agencies.

The attack reportedly resulted in a fierce gun battle between security personnel and the attackers, lasting about seven hours before the assailants were repelled and forced to retreat into the surrounding forest in the early hours of Friday, September 11.

Several persons were also injured in the attack, while others were reportedly still unaccounted for.

Mourning the victims, PSAFSA commiserated with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji  Disu, the Nigeria Police Force, as well as the families, colleagues and loved ones of the four policemen who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The organisation also condoled with the families of the seven other victims.

In a statement by its Convener, Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, PSAFSA commended personnel of the Police Mobile Force, tactical teams and conventional police units who responded to the attack and engaged the assailants despite the intensity and duration of the confrontation.

It said “The four policemen who paid the ultimate price were officers who placed themselves in harm’s way in the course of protecting lives and defending the community. 

“Their loss is not only a loss to the Nigeria Police Force but also a devastating blow to their families, colleagues and the nation.

“The incident further reveals the enormous risks confronting personnel of the Police, Armed Forces and other security agencies in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

“PSAFSA therefore calls for sustained and improved support for security personnel deployed to vulnerable communities, particularly in the areas of intelligence, operational equipment, logistics, communications and welfare.

“We urge the relevant authorities to intensify efforts to locate persons still unaccounted for, provide immediate and adequate medical attention to those injured, and ensure that those responsible for the attack are identified and brought to justice”.

It further called for an urgent need for stronger intelligence-gathering and early-warning mechanisms to enable security agencies to detect threats and respond promptly before attacks escalate,  appealing  to residents of vulnerable communities to continue to cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that can assist in preventing attacks, rescuing victims and apprehending criminal elements.

“At PSAFSA, we believe that supporting those who protect the nation is a collective responsibility. The men and women of our security agencies cannot be left to confront increasingly complex threats without the necessary institutional, operational and public support.

“We urge Nigerians not to become desensitised to the sacrifices of security personnel who lose their lives while protecting others. Behind every fallen officer is a family that must live with the consequences of that sacrifice.

“We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased, comfort for their families and colleagues, and speedy recovery for all those injured.PSAFSA remains committed to supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, while promoting stronger public confidence and constructive partnership between security personnel and the communities they serve”, the group stated.