Quick Summary:
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrest suspects over herdsmen attacks and cattle rustling in Guma LGA, recovering stolen meat and reaffirming commitment to end rural violence.
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested suspects connected to attacks on herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the troops also uncovered a case of cattle rustling in the same area.
Zubairu said the troops received information on Sunday that two herders were attacked at Amua Village, located between Daudu and Umenger/Ukpiam in Guma LGA.
The injured herder was evacuated to Keana in Nasarawa State for medical treatment, while the deceased’s remains were handed over to community representatives for burial according to local customs.
Cattle Rustling Suspect Arrested
In a separate operation, troops deployed to Ukpiam community acted on intelligence from vigilant youths about suspected cattle rustling activities.
The operation led 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 took the troops to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mrs. Mercy Onban, wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat, was arrested alongside recovered meat exhibits.
Both suspects are in custody pending further investigation.
Operation Whirl Stroke Reaffirms Commitment
The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke to ending killings and cattle rustling in the Joint Operations Area.
He condemned all forms of violence and criminality, warning that perpetrators will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.
