Bandits have shot two soldiers and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) dead in a massive gun-battle at Okokolo community in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue.

However, the Troops of Sector 6, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), successfully repelled the attack on the community.

The OPWS Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, told newsmen in Makurdi on Saturday that the troops forced the bandits to run in disarray after a three-hour battle on Thursday.

He, however, said two soldiers and one personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps lost their lives in the encounter while two other soldiers sustained injuries.

The OPWS force commander said those injured were rushed to Air Force Hospital in Makurdi, and were responding to treatment.

He said that the troops rushed to the community when they received intelligence that bandits were heading to the area.

"Upon inquiry, the troops discovered that suspected bandits were advancing towards the town to attack it and they immediately mobilised and proceeded to Okokolo community, about 15 km from their base at Akwu.

"On arrival, the troops encountered the bandits carrying out attack on the community and subsequently engaged the criminals in a gun duel that lasted for three hours.

"The attack was successfully repelled with the terrorists withdrawing in disarray while evacuating their dead and wounded.

"The success achieved was however at a huge cost, with three of the troops paying the supreme sacrifice to prevent the killing of the inhabitants of Okokolo and the intended sacking of the community.

"In addition to the death of the two soldiers and one Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel, two other soldiers were wounded and immediately evacuated to the Air Force Hospital in Makurdi,” he added.

The force commander commended the troops and urged them to put the set back of the loss of their colleagues behind, and remain focused on the mission of ridding the state of all criminal elements.

He assured the troops that the Chief of Defence Staff was strongly behind them as they battle to restore lasting peace in Benue.

Igbinomwanhia appreciated Gov. Hyacinth Alia for his support to OPWS, and pledged that the troops would pursue the criminals to their hideouts.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state Deputy Gov., Mr Sam Ode, and the OPWS commander, had visited the troops of Sector 6 on Friday at their base in Akwu.

The visit was to commiserate with them over the death of their gallant colleagues and encourage them not to give breathing space to the criminals.

Ode who represented the governor, said that the state government would support the treatment of those injured.

God1000:
We need urgent help from the united nations, African union and ECOWAS in Benue and other states in the middle belt

The federal government of Nigeria under Tinubu is not ready to protect and defend the people of Benue

Botragelad:

Haha. Aren't you the same dude who backs Hamas and their urge to destroy Israel?
Why don't you support the terrorists terrorising your Homeland? At least these bandits, terrorists are fighting for something, why not support them like you support Hamas?

Stop being a coward, keep supporting TERRORISTS while they invade your country. Appeal to Hamas not UN, since you think the US is aiding Israel's "genocide"!

Perhaps when the Nigerian army confronts these TERRORISTS like Israel does, you will shout genocide or free the terrorists.

I hope you realise what Israel is preventing before it becomes like Nigeria, but no, people like you who are ignorant keep yelling genocide. Bloody jester. You are in for a long run!

God1000:


I will always tell you people the home and uncomfortable truth, you dislike me and my probity which I fully understand.

I condemn violence and terrorist activities anywhere it happens and whoever that is responsible for it, your problem is that you are blinded by religion, I support the oppressed people of Palestine and not Hamas as alleged.

I don't hate Israel, I'm 100% christian, I was born and raised in Methodist church but being a Christian doesn't mean I must support atrocities against women and children, it's against my nature to do so.

I only hate the current government of Benjamin netanyahu, Yair lapid was a great prime minister but Israelis rejected him and chose a warmonger.

STEWpid:
Chai..




What is the meaning of Bandit in Nigeria?

fuckingAyaya:
Is Esn still a terrorist organization?

Botragelad:

Haha. Aren't you the same dude who backs Hamas and their urge to destroy Israel?
Why don't you support the terrorists terrorising your Homeland? At least these bandits, terrorists are fighting for something, why not support them like you support Hamas?

Stop being a coward, keep supporting TERRORISTS while they invade your country. Appeal to Hamas not UN, since you think the US is aiding Israel's "genocide"!

Perhaps when the Nigerian army confronts these TERRORISTS like Israel does, you will shout genocide or free the terrorists.

I hope you realise what Israel is preventing before it becomes like Nigeria, but no, people like you who are ignorant keep yelling genocide. Bloody jester. You are in for a long run!

money121:
God abeg oo

Kuginzi:


https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2024/01/20/massive-gun-battle-in-benue-bandits-shoot-two-soldiers-nscdc-officer-dead/?amp=1

fuckingAyaya:
Is Esn still a terrorist organization?