Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have killed six armed bandits in Utange Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom, Lt. Col. Paul Hemba, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists in his office in Makurdi.
According to him, the bandits were killed after they engaged the troops in a fierce gun battle in the area.
Hemba stated that the troops, in collaboration with personnel of the Community Volunteer Guards, had stormed the camp of the armed bandits on Tuesday, neutralizing two of them in the process while also burning their camp.
He added that on Wednesday, in a reprisal, the armed bandits regrouped, laid ambush and killed a member of the Community Volunteer Guards.
The Security Adviser explained that “the next day, which was on Thursday, troops of OPWS again trailed the bandits to their hideouts and neutralized three of them during an exchange of fire.”
Hemba who noted that there would be no hiding place for criminals in Benue said peace has returned to the area and the people have gone back to their normal activities.
When contacted, Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Kevin Aligbe confirmed the report saying the feat was in furtherance to the on going fight against armed banditry in the Joint Operations Area, JOA.
Aligbe, in a statement signed by the OPWS Public Relations Officer, Flying Officer Audu Katty, said OPWS troops have continued to degrade the activities of criminal elements in the Joint Operations Area.
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“The troops, while acting on credible human intelligence, HUMINT, conducted a raid on Ahunga, Sati Mbachagh and Ayaghi village in Mbayongo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue state.
“During the raid, bandits on sighting own troops took to their heels and our troops gave them a hot chase and neutralized two bandits identified as Mr Terseer Tyoher and Homga Agesa popularly known as Golden Spoon.”
The Force Commander also explained that troops recovered weapons of different calibre and charms from the armed bandits while the make- shift camp of the bandits was also set ablaze.
Aligbe, stated that OPWS remains focused in ensuring safety of lives and property where law abiding Nigerians can go about their legitimate businesses and allow economic activities to thrive.
