Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have restored calm following a violent communal clash between the Ugambe community in Konshisha Local Government Area and the Mbaiase community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call over renewed hostilities between the two neighbouring communities. On arrival, they came under sporadic fire from armed men dressed in black, who fled into nearby bushes after the troops engaged them with superior firepower.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, “the troops recovered a magazine, eight rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, twelve rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO, fifteen empty shells, and various charms at the scene.”
Three civilians were, however, killed and one injured before the troops’ intervention. The injured victim was evacuated to General Hospital Aliade for treatment, while the deceased were taken to the mortuary.
The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops of Sector 1 for their swift response and professionalism.
He urged them to sustain aggressive patrols to prevent further violence and appealed to community leaders to embrace dialogue for lasting peace.
Major General Gara reaffirmed the Operation’s commitment to combating insecurity and maintaining stability across its Joint Operations Area, in line with the Nigerian Armed Forces’ mandate to safeguard lives and property.