Troops Commence Clearing
Operation In Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba
The joint military operation
codenamed Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Sunday commenced a 7-day clearing
operation in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
Residents of Makurdi, the Benue
state capital, Sunday morning woke up to hear sounds of low flying military
helicopter and deafening explosives.
A top military source who pleaded
anonymity said the operation was as a result of incessant armed banditry in
some communities across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states which resulted in the
death of some locals.
According to reports, the
clearance operation covers some islands behind NASME Barracks in Makurdi and
Gbajimba in Guma local government area of Benue state where it is believed that
the armed bandits who normally come from Nasarawa state have their hideouts to
launch attacks.
The source said the clearing
operation will cover the Sankera axis of
Logo, Ukum and Katsina-Ala local government areas down to Yoyo River and Kwente
in Kwande local government area of Benue, where armed militia, led by one
Chekere also known as Azonto is believed to be terrorising the locals.
The military source urged members
of the public to remain calm and go about their legitimate businesses without
fear adding that the operation targets specific locations and it is meant to
bring about peace in all communities.
He noted that the outcome of the
operation which is still ongoing would be made known by the military high
command at the appropriate time.
Reports from unconfirmed sources
alleged that some soldiers on duty behind NASME Barracks in Makurdi were
recently ambushed by some suspected armed herdsmen, resulting in the death of
two soldiers
