Military Commence 7-Day Air Raids On  Armed Fulani Herdsmen, Bandits In Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa

Troops on a special military exercise in Nigeria’s North-central region codenamed Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, on Sunday commenced a seven-day offensive on armed Fulani herdsmen and other bandits in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States.

Military sources said the operation was sequel to the incessant armed bandits’ attacks on some communities across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states which had resulted in the death of several locals. Also, some soldiers on duty behind the NASME Barracks in Makurdi, the state capital, were recently ambushed by suspected armed herdsmen.

Impeccable source told our correspondent that the clearance operation would cover some islands behind the NASME Barracks in Makurdi and Gbajimba, headquarters of Guma well as Makurdi Local Government Areas of Benue State where it is believed that the armed bandits suspected to be accessing the state from Nasarawa, have their hideouts and launch attacks on innocent people.

It was further learnt that the clearance operation would also cover the Sankera axis of Logo, Ukum and Katsina-Ala local government areas down to Yoyo River and Kwente in Kwande Local Government area of Benue where the armed militia, led by one Chekere also known as Azonto terrorise locals.

A military source who craved anonymity urged members of the public to remain calm and go about their legitimate business without fear, saying the operation is targeted at specific locations and aimed at bringing peace to all communities in the three states to enable farmers ply their trade.

He noted that the outcome of the operation which is still ongoing, would be made known by the military high command at the appropriate time.