Military Kills 140 Bandits in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa

Military Kills 140 Bandits in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa

George Okoh in Makurdi

The special military operation in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States known as operation whirl stroke has disclosed that 140 bandits and militias were killed by the force in the last one year of its operation

It also said a total of 178 assorted weapons and 3,569 ammunition of different calibers were recovered from bandits in the last one year.

The Commander of the special force, Major General Adeyemi Yekini, made this known while displaying the ammunition at an event marking its one year operation.

Yekini also said 171 militia elements, including armed herdsmen and criminals linked to the notorious Terwase Agwaza (Gana), were arrested.

According to Yekini, over 250,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) have returned home since the inception of operation, adding that “215,000 in Benue State; 30,000 in Taraba State and 5,000 in Nasarawa State have returned home.”

He further disclosed that 38 identified militia camps were destroyed across the three states (21 in Benue, 12 in Taraba and 5 in Nasarawa States), while Gana’s associates, including his wife, spiritual leader and close aides were also killed.

General Yekini further announced that the operation has  peacefully resolve five protracted conflicts among five ethnic groups.

“The conflict  in Lau, the Tiv and Fulani in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, Shitile and Ukum clans in Katsina Ala, Ukum and Logo LGAs of Benue State as well as between Tiv and Fulani ethnic groups in Keana and Awe LGAs of Nasarawa State.

The breakdown showed that 41 weapons and 1,293 ammunition were recovered in Benue State; 127 weapons and 2,235 ammunition were recovered in Nasarawa State and 10 weapons and 41 ammunition were recovered in Taraba State.

“It will be seen from the statistics that more arms and ammunition were recovered from Nasarawa State than other states, although more operations were conducted in Benue State within the one year period,” Yekini said.

He said there has been increase in farming and commercial activities in the rural areas of Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba State, and that significant reduction in cases of violent crimes to a degree that traditional law enforcement agencies are beginning to take the lead in their handling.

He commended the federal government through the defence headquarters, the chief of defence staff, the chief of army staff, other service chiefs; heads of other security agencies, governors of the states, local government areas chairmen and balanced reportage by media practitioners in the three states

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