QUICK MILLITARY RESPONSE AVERTS BLOODY CLASH IN BENUE
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Personnel of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have promptly intervened to cease a violent communal dispute between the Ugambe community in the Konshisha Local Government Area and the Mbaiase community in the Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Spokesperson for OPWS, conveyed this in a statement on Friday, emphasizing that the swift response exemplified the military’s steadfast dedication to reinstating peace and safety within the state.
As reported by Zubairu, the episode transpired on October 8, 2025, when troops reacted to an emergency call concerning an outbreak of hostility between the two adjacent communities.
“Upon arrival at the location, the troops encountered intermittent gunfire from armed individuals clad in black. The aggressors retreated into nearby vegetation after the troops returned fire with overwhelming force,” he indicated.
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During a subsequent search operation, troops recovered one magazine, eight rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, twelve rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, fifteen spent shells, and various charms thought to have been utilized by the fleeing perpetrators.
“Regrettably, three civilians lost their lives and one was injured prior to the troops’ arrival,” Zubairu added. The injured individual was transported to the General Hospital in Aliade for medical care, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the hospital mortuary.
The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops of Sector 1 for their prompt response and professionalism in reestablishing order. He urged them to remain vigilant and uphold rigorous patrols throughout the region to avert further conflicts.
Major General Gara also appealed to community leaders and stakeholders in both areas to adopt dialogue and collaborate towards enduring peace, reiterating OPWS’s commitment to combating insecurity and preserving stability within its operational zone.
In a separate incident, troops from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS successfully thwarted an attempted assault by suspected bandits on communities in the Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to the Army, on October 9, 2025, forces stationed at Tapga Ngasawa Village received reliable intelligence from residents of Majebiyu Village that armed men had invaded the community, discharging gunfire indiscriminately, vandalizing property, and robbing residents of motorcycles and other possessions.
“In a rapid response, the troops were deployed to the area and engaged the perpetrators. Upon sighting the advancing forces, the armed individuals fled into the bush, presumably with gunshot injuries,” the statement noted.
A search and clearance operation in the vicinity resulted in the recovery of five dane guns and two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing assailants.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, commended the troops for their bravery and quick response, reaffirming the Brigade’s commitment to eliminating illegal firearms and ensuring they are not utilized for criminal activities in Taraba and adjacent regions.
The Nigerian Army encouraged citizens to stay law-abiding and to persist in offering reliable information to support ongoing efforts focused on preserving peace and security throughout the state.
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