Troops Quell Deadly Communal Clash in Benue, Three Killed, One Injured
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have swiftly intervened to halt a violent communal clash between Ugambe community in Konshisha Local Government Area and Mbaiase community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of Operation WHIRL STROKE, the troops responded to a distress call on Tuesday, 8 October 2025, following reports of renewed hostilities between the two neighbouring communities.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops came under sporadic gunfire from armed elements dressed in black. The soldiers, however, responded with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to flee into nearby bushes.
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During a subsequent clearance operation, troops recovered one rifle magazine, eight rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, twelve rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, fifteen empty shells, and various charms believed to have been used by the fleeing attackers.
Sadly, three civilians were killed and one other sustained gunshot injuries before the troops arrived. The wounded victim was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital in Aliade for treatment, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at the hospital mortuary.
The Force Commander, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops of Sector 1 for their swift response and professionalism in restoring calm. He urged them to remain vigilant and continue aggressive patrols across the area to prevent a recurrence.
General Gara also appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders in both localities to embrace dialogue and peaceful resolution of their differences.
He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to combat insecurity and maintain peace and stability within its joint operations area.
By PRNigeria