Operation Whirl Stroke Warns Criminal Elements Fuelling Violence In Benue

T Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have warned criminal elements fuelling the cycle of violence in Benue State to desist or face decisive action, following swift responses to two separate security breaches in Guma Local Government Area.

The incidents, which occurred on February 15, 2026, involved an attack on herders at Amua Village and a separate case of cattle rustling within the Daudu–Umenger/Ukpiam axis of Guma LGA.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, troops deployed at Umenger responded promptly after receiving information that two herders had been attacked at Amua Village. “On arrival, it was confirmed that the attack led to the death of one herder, while the second victim sustained gunshot wounds,” the statement said.

The injured herder was evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were handed over to community representatives for burial in line with local customs.

In a related development, troops stationed at Ukpiam acted on intelligence provided by local youths regarding suspected cattle rustling. The operation led to the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba, who reportedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders and named two accomplices, identified as Akpehe and Ashinge, who are currently at large.

Further investigation took troops to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mrs Mercy Onban, wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat, was arrested alongside recovered meat exhibits. Both suspects are in custody pending further investigation.

The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke to halting incessant killings and cattle rustling within the Joint Operations Area.

He condemned the violence and criminality, warning that perpetrators would be relentlessly pursued. “Operation Whirl Stroke remains resolute in halting the incessant killings of innocent persons and acts of cattle rustling. Those responsible will be decisively dealt with and brought to justice,” he said.

Gara also urged community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence sharing is critical to restoring lasting peace. He reassured law-abiding residents of the Joint Task Force’s determination to safeguard lives and property across the region.