Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have swiftly intervened to halt a violent communal clash between Ugambe community in Konshisha Local Government Area and Mbaiase community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to a statement issued on Friday, October 10, 2025, by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, the troops responded promptly to a distress call on October 8 following reports of escalating hostilities between the two neighbouring communities.
On arrival at the scene, the troops reportedly came under sporadic gunfire from armed elements dressed in black. The attackers, however, fled into nearby bushes after the soldiers returned fire with superior force.
During a subsequent search of the area, the troops recovered one magazine, eight rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, twelve rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, fifteen empty shells, and several charms believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing assailants.
Unfortunately, three civilians lost their lives, while one person sustained injuries before the troops’ arrival. The injured victim was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Aliade, for treatment, and the deceased were deposited in the hospital mortuary.
The Force Commander, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops of Sector 1 for their swift and professional response in restoring order. He urged them to maintain vigilance and sustain aggressive patrols to prevent a recurrence.
Major General Gara also appealed to community leaders and stakeholders in both areas to embrace dialogue as a means of resolving disputes peacefully and fostering lasting harmony.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to combating insecurity and maintaining stability across its Joint Operations Area.
