Tuesday, February 17 2026 - One person has been confirmed dead and another injured following an alleged attack by suspected cattle rustlers in Benue State.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the acting
Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu,
that troops of the Joint Task Force arrested two suspects in connection with
the incidents.
According to the statement, troops responded to two separate
security breaches in Guma Local Government Area on February 15, 2026.
Zubairu explained that troops were alerted to an attack on
two herders at Amua Village, located within the axis stretching from Daudu to
Umenger/Ukpiam.
“On arrival, it was confirmed that the attack resulted in
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 attention,” he said.
He added that the remains of the deceased were handed over
to community representatives for burial in line with local customs.
On the same day, troops stationed at Ukpiam acted on
intelligence provided by local youths, leading to the arrest of a 23-year-old
suspect, Terngu Aondohemba.
“The troops, acting on credible information, moved swiftly
and arrested Mr Terngu Aondohemba, who reportedly confessed to killing two
cattle belonging to Fulani herders,” Zubairu stated.
“He also named two accomplices, identified as Mr Akpehe and
Ashinge, who are currently at large.”
The spokesman further disclosed that follow-up
investigations led troops to Korje Village in Daudu, where a woman, Mrs Mercy
Onban — wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat — was apprehended
alongside the recovered meat exhibits.
He said the suspects are currently in custody pending
further investigation.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General
Moses Gara, reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to curbing killings and
cattle rustling within its Joint Operations Area.
He condemned the violence and criminal activities, warning
that perpetrators would be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.
Gara also urged community leaders to strengthen
collaboration with security agencies, emphasising that timely intelligence
sharing is critical to restoring lasting peace.
He reassured law-abiding residents of the task force’s
resolve to safeguard lives and property across the region.
The arrests and rescue efforts highlight ongoing military
operations aimed at addressing violence affecting both farmers and herders in
parts of the state.
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