Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested suspects linked to attacks on herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

A statement issued on Monday by the acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu also confirmed a case of cattle rustling in the LG.

The statement explained that the troops were on Sunday informed that two herders were attacked at Amua Village, located within the expanse of land stretching from Daudu to Umenger/Ukpiam in Guma LGA.

He said upon receipt of the information, the troops deployed at Umenger community promptly mobilised to the incident scene.

“On arrival, it was confirmed that the attack led to the death of one herder, while the second victim sustained gunshot wounds.

“The injured herder was immediately evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent medical treatment.

“The remains of the deceased were subsequently handed over to community representatives for burial in accordance with local customs”, the statement added.

In another development on the same day, the statement said troops deployed to the Ukpiam community acted on intelligence provided by vigilant youths concerning suspected cattle rustling activities in the area.

The troops moved swiftly, leading to the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect, Mr Terngu Aondohemba, who reportedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders. He also implicated two accomplices, identified as Mr Akpehe and Ashinge, who are currently at large.

“Further investigation led troops to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mrs Mercy Onban, wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat, was apprehended alongside the recovered meat exhibits.

“Both suspects remain in custody pending further investigation. The Force Commander Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, reaffirmed the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to halting incessant killings of innocent persons and cattle rustling in the Joint Operations Area.

“He condemned violence and criminality, warning that perpetrators would be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice”, the Army said.