Gunmen have killed two security operatives attached to Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) in Benue State during an attack on a security checkpoint along the Otukpo–Ohimini axis of the state.

Sources confirmed the incident noting that it occurred at about 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 22.

According to the sources, the victims Insp. Akpan Ogbole of the Nigeria Police Force and Abechi Oche of the Nigeria Forest and Hunters Services sustained gunshot wounds during a crossfire with the attackers.

They were rushed to the Otukpo General Hospital, where they later died while receiving treatment.

Police said the assailants carted away one AK-47 rifle belonging to the police and one pump-action gun belonging to the Forest and Hunters Services before fleeing the scene.

Their bodies have been deposited at the Otukpo General Hospital mortuary.

The sources said tactical teams led by the Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) had been deployed to Otukpo Area Command to coordinate aggressive anti-crime operations aimed at arresting the perpetrators and dismantling criminal gangs operating in the area.

The sources said that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has commenced a full investigation into the incident. (Zagazola)