Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have neutralised a suspected bandit in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
It was reported that during the gunfight stray bullets accidentally struck three students, leaving one dead and two others injured.
According to a statement security analyst.and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, on Wednesday, the clash occurred on Tuesday while soldiers were returning from a routine patrol.
The statement added that the troops had sighted armed men on a motorcycle, who opened fire upon spotting the soldiers.
In the ensuing gun battle, one of the suspects was shot dead while his accomplices escaped, abandoning their motorcycle.
Unfortunately, three students of Government Science Secondary School, Jato-Aka, were caught in the crossfire.
“One female student later died at NKST Hospital, Jato-Aka, while the other two were admitted and are responding to treatment,” the statement added.
The body of the neutralised bandit was deposited at the hospital morgue.
The Military confirmed the incident, stressing that the troops acted in self-defence after being fired upon.
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They described the student’s death as tragic and promised measures to prevent similar occurrences.
News of the incident sparked outrage in Jato-Aka, where angry youths staged violent protests and set ablaze the office of the community’s traditional ruler, Mue Ter.
Police authorities confirmed the protest but said calm has been restored following the deployment of personnel, including operatives of the Mobile Police Force.
“The situation has been brought under control and normalcy has returned, but monitoring and patrols are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the police said.
Meanwhile, authorities have appealed for calm and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.