By Joy Odor, Abuja
Swift and decisive action by troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) has averted what could have been a full-scale bloodbath in Benue State, following the outbreak of a deadly communal clash between Ugambe community in Konshisha LGA and Mbaiase community in Gwer East LGA.
According to Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE in a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday informed that the troops, responding to a distress call on October 8, 2025, raced to the flashpoint where armed men dressed in black opened fire on them.
The soldiers swiftly retaliated with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to abandon their positions and flee into the surrounding bushes.
During a subsequent mop-up operation, troops recovered a cache of items including a rifle magazine, 8 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, 15 empty shells, and charms believed to have been used by the fleeing assailants.
Tragically, three civilians lost their lives, and one person was injured before the troops’ arrival.
The wounded victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Aliade, while the deceased were deposited at the hospital mortuary.
Commending the soldiers’ bravery and professionalism, the Force Commander, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, lauded Sector 1 troops for their rapid response in restoring order.
He directed them to maintain aggressive patrols across the area to forestall further violence.
“Our men acted with courage and precision to prevent a wider crisis. We remain committed to ensuring peace returns to every corner of Benue and the surrounding states,” General Gara stated.
He also appealed to community leaders and stakeholders in both areas to embrace dialogue and reconciliation, emphasizing that peace remains the only path to lasting stability.
Reaffirming OPWS’s determination to relentlessly combat insecurity, General Gara vowed that the Joint Task Force would continue to protect lives and property across its operational zone.
