Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Benue State have reportedly killed three bandits in Chito community, near Zaki-Biam, the headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
Witnesses said the bandits were under the leadership of one “Full Fire” known to be second in command to the late Terwase Akwaza (Gana) who terrorised the Sankera axis comprising of Ukum, Logo and Kastina-Ala LGAs.
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One witness said the troops of OPWS had a few days ago conducted a clearance patrol at Chito area during which the bandits on sighting the troops fled but were pursued until three of them succumbed to the superior gun power of the military.
Another witness, a military source who declined name on print, said, “The troops also combed and searched the area and recovered some items including firearms, two motorcycles and three mobile phones.
“The troops deployed at Gbise in Katsina-Ala also carried out offensive fighting patrol at Atunbe, Madamu, Kaamen, Ude -Jor, Kasar, Tor-Tacha and River Yoyo in Utange and Yoyo council wards of Katsina-Ala LGA.
“The purpose of the patrol was to flush out armed herdsmen terrorising the area.
“During the patrol, OPWS troops had contact with the herdsmen at Tor-Tacha and the troops responded with superior fire power forcing the herdsmen to flee in disarray with possible gunshot wounds.
“We further learnt that the troops conducted a search around the area and recovered firearms and cutlasses.”
Public Relations Officer of OPWS, Flying Officer Audu Katty, however did not respond to calls to confirm the incident.
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