Soldiers Restore Calm Following Violent Communal Clash in Benue
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully restored peace 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 clashes flared up again, prompting troops to respond to a distress call regarding renewed hostilities between the two neighboring communities. Upon arrival, the troops came under sporadic attack from armed men dressed in black. The military engaged the armed group with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to flee into nearby bushes.
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.
Tragically, three people were killed and one other sustained an injury during the clash. The wounded person was taken to a General Hospital in Aliade for treatment, and the deceased were moved to the mortuary.
The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift intervention and professionalism. He directed them to continue patrols in the area to prevent any further escalation of violence.
General Gara also called on community leaders to embrace dialogue as the path to lasting peace. He reaffirmed OPWS’s commitment to combating insecurity and maintaining stability across its Joint Operations Area.
