Operatives of the Benue State Police Command Joint Security Taskforce code named Operation Zenda, have k!lled 11 bandits suspected to be armed herders.

It was, however, gathered that the command unfortunately lost one of its officers identified as Inspector Terfa Barnabas Anyiatse during the gun duel.

The operatives of Operation Zenda, while responding to a distress call at a community bordering Buruku and Ushongo local government areas of the state, were said to have engaged the suspects in a gun duel.

The incident, according to a source from the community, occurred between Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday.

It was reported that the bandits, suspected to be armed herders, lost 11 members, while an officer of the command reportedly lost his life.

The bodies, including that of the police officer, were said to have been deposited at an undisclosed morgue in Makurdi, the state capital.

Spokesperson of the Benue State Command, CSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, adding that she will provide further details later.