Troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have averted what could have escalated into a major communal crisis between the Ugambe community in Konshisha Local Government Area and Mbaiase community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Public Relations Officer of OPWS, confirmed the development in a statement released on Friday.

He said the quick deployment of troops was a clear demonstration of the military’s steadfast resolve to maintain peace and order in the region.

According to Zubairu, the confrontation broke out on October 8, 2025, prompting a distress call that brought troops to the area.

“On arrival at the scene, the troops came under sporadic fire from some armed elements dressed in black. The assailants fled into nearby bushes after troops returned fire with superior force,” he said.

Following the exchange, a thorough search of the area led to the discovery of a magazine, eight rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, twelve rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, fifteen spent shells, and charms believed to have been used by the attackers.

“Sadly, three civilians were killed and one injured before the arrival of the troops,” Zubairu added. He noted that the injured person was taken to the General Hospital in Aliade for medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the hospital mortuary.

The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, lauded the Sector 1 troops for their quick and disciplined intervention, which restored calm to the warring communities. He also urged them to sustain surveillance and intensified patrols to forestall further violence.

Major General Gara further appealed to traditional rulers and community stakeholders in both local government areas to pursue dialogue and reconciliation as sustainable measures for peace. He reaffirmed OPWS’s dedication to eliminating insecurity and ensuring stability across its operational zones.