Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have averted what could have been a deadly escalation of violence following a communal clash between the Ugambe community in Konshisha Local Government Area and the Mbaiase community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the troops swiftly responded to a distress call on October 8 after hostilities broke out between the two neighbouring communities.
On arrival, the soldiers came under sporadic gunfire from armed elements dressed in black. The troops returned fire with superior force, forcing the attackers to flee into nearby bushes.
During a subsequent search of the area, the troops recovered one rifle magazine, eight rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, twelve rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, fifteen empty shells, and several charms believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing assailants.
Unfortunately, three civilians were confirmed dead and one person was injured before the troops arrived. The wounded victim was evacuated to the General Hospital in Aliade for treatment, while the deceased were taken to the hospital mortuary.
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The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the Sector 1 troops for their swift and professional response, urging them to sustain aggressive patrols and vigilance to prevent further violence.
He also appealed to community leaders and stakeholders in both areas to embrace dialogue and resolve their disputes peacefully.
Major General Gara reaffirmed the operation’s commitment to maintaining peace, combating insecurity, and ensuring stability across its joint operations area.