Troops Avert Deadly Communal Clash Between Ugambe, Mbaiase In Benue

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), successfully prevented a potentially deadly 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 signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, on Friday, the soldiers responded swiftly to a distress call on October 8, 2025, following reports of renewed hostilities between the two neighboring communities.

Zubairu noted that upon arrival at the scene, the troops came under sporadic gunfire from armed suspects dressed in black. However, the attackers fled into nearby bushes after the soldiers engaged them using superior firepower.

During a follow-up operation, troops recovered one magazine, eight rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, 15 empty shells, and various charms believed to have been carried by the fleeing assailants.

The statement confirmed that three civilians were killed and one person injured before troops arrived. The injured individual was evacuated to the General Hospital, Aliade, while the deceased were deposited at the hospital mortuary.

Meanwhile, the Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended Sector 1 troops for their swift response and professionalism in restoring calm to the affected areas.

He urged the troops to maintain aggressive patrols to prevent any further breakdown of law and order. Gara also appealed to community leaders and stakeholders from both sides to embrace dialogue and collaboration for lasting peace, reaffirming that Operation Whirl Stroke remains committed to restoring stability across its operational area.

Source: Informationng