Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have successfully intervened to stop a renewed communal clash between Ugambe community in Konshisha Local Government Area and Mbaiase community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement on Friday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the incident occurred on 8 October when troops responded swiftly to a distress call of fresh hostilities between the two neighboring communities.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops reportedly came under sporadic gunfire from armed elements dressed in black. However, the attackers fled into nearby bushes after troops returned fire with superior force.
During a subsequent search of the area, the troops recovered one magazine, eight rounds of 7.62 by 39mm special ammunition, twelve rounds of 7.62 by 51mm NATO ammunition, fifteen empty ammunition shells, and various charms believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing assailants.
Three civilians were killed and one person sustained injuries. The injured victim has been evacuated to the Hospital while the remains of the deceased were deposited at the morgue.
Reacting to the development, the Force Commander, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops of Sector 1 for their swift response and professionalism in restoring peace to the affected communities and has asked them to remain vigilant and sustain aggressive patrols across the area to prevent further violence.
Major General Gara also called on community leaders and stakeholders from both sides to embrace dialogue and reconciliation as a lasting solution to their disputes. He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to combating insecurity and ensuring peace and stability across its Joint Operations Area.
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