Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has reportedly captured one local militia leader popularly known as Alhaji Audu from Olegeje community during a communal clash in Agatu local government area of Benue state.
The troop also recovered one Ak47 rifle and 60 round of ammunitions from him.
Our correspondent gathered that some militia groups, had early hours of Sunday, attacked three communities of Adana, Olegeje and Olegogboche, all in Agatu local government area of the state.
It was gathered that Alhaji Audu led other members of his militia group to launch attack on Adana community leading to the death of two persons and injuring many others in the process.
Speaking to Journalists on phone, Mr. Job Emakwo, debunked rumours that the attack was carried out by Fulani herdsmen insisting that it was a communal clash involving the three communities as a result of the activities of some militia in the affected areas.
Emakwo told journalists that Audu and his group went to Adana in search of one of their gang members and started shooting sporadically as a result of which two persons lost their lives.
He said there was a misunderstanding between the three communities in the area over land which earlier claimed the lives of some persons.
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He said that immediately troops of the OPWS stationed in Agatu heard about the clash, they quickly mobilized to the affected communities and in the process stormed into a militia camp and apprehensed Alhaji Audu who was later identified as one of the leaders of the local militia who instigated the fight between the three communities.
He said the troops recovered one Ak47 riffle and 60 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition with two magazines from Audu.
When contacted, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Adeyemi Yekini said he cannot comment on the Agatu attack and said that journalists can contact the Defense Head Quarters (DHQ) Information Department.
Meanwhile, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene has confirmed the attack in Agatu saying three corpses has been confirmed so far.
She did not confirm whether it was herdsmen attack or communal clash.
According to the PPRO, “Information was received on Sunday at about 05.30hrs that suspected herdsmen attacked Adama village, a riverine area in Agatu that is not motorable.
She said a team of police officers have been deployed to the area but the level of destruction and casualties is yet to be fully ascertained.