Governor Hyacinth Alia commends DSS personnel in Benue and Nasarawa for arresting three suspects linked to the Ayilamo massacre, urging investigators to pursue all sponsors and accomplices.
Makurdi, Benue State — September 14, 2026
Governor Hyacinth Alia has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for what he described as a prompt and professional operation leading to the arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to the attack on Ayilamo community in Logo LGA, which killed four police officers and seven civilians.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Alia specifically praised DSS personnel in both Benue and Nasarawa States for the joint cross-state operation that led to the arrests, describing it as an important step toward uncovering the full circumstances of the attack and bringing those responsible to justice.
Alia urged the DSS to intensify its investigation and make full use of information obtained from the suspects in custody.
Every available lead should be diligently followed to identify and arrest the remaining accomplices, sponsors, collaborators, and other persons connected with the attack. All those found culpable must face the full weight of the law, he said.
The governor described the killing of the four police officers as "particularly painful," saying it underscored the enormous sacrifices security personnel make in the line of duty. He extended condolences to the people of Ayilamo, the victims' families, and the wider Logo LGA community, and separately commiserated with the Inspector-General of Police and Benue's Commissioner of Police over the officers' deaths.
Alia appealed to residents of Ayilamo and surrounding communities to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, encouraging them to provide credible, timely information to security agencies while avoiding actions that could heighten tension or undermine the investigation.
He assured residents they would not be abandoned, pledging continued collaboration with security agencies to prevent further attacks in Logo and other vulnerable Benue communities.
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