File Photo
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke on Wednesday evening engaged gunmen in a duel at Abaji in Shitile axis of Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Four persons were reported to have died with some people injured when gunmen suspected to be gang members of the state terror leader, Terwase Akwaza aka Gana, stormed a market in Abaji and shot indiscriminately.
The troops were said to have recovered one AK-47 rifle and several ammunitions during the encounter with the gunmen
Locals from the area said that gunmen who were in military uniform rode into the market around 5:00 pm on Wednesday.
“As soon as they came into the market they started shooting sporadically leading to the death of two people and some people were injured,” Dennis, one of the locals told the Nigerian Tribune on the phone.
Dennis said that troops of OPWS were alerted and and that they swiftly responded to the distress call.
He added that the gunmen engaged the troops in a gun duel while everyone else scampered for safety.
“We learned that troops later overpowered the bandits with superior firepower, following which two of the bandits were killed by the troops while others escaped with gunshot wounds and one of the soldiers was said to have been injured during the encounter.”
Confirming the attack, the chairman of the local government, Alfred Atera said that the gunmen were in military uniform and rode into the market.
According to Atera, “the gunmen were camouflage in military uniform and I think why they do that is because there is curfew in this area and only security men are allowed to ride on motorcycles.
“So they camouflaged in army uniform and rode on motorcycles into Abaji market between 4 – 5 pm and started shooting sporadically.”
As at the time of filing this report, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Catherine Anene said she was expecting the report.
Efforts to get the force commander of OPWS, Major General Adeyemi Yekini were not successful as his cell phone number could not be reached at the time of filing this report.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Cryptocurrency: Understanding The Craze, Threat
ON Friday, February 6, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rocked the boat with a circular that inadvertently highlighted how popular cryptocurrency transactions have become among Nigerians in recent years, judging by…
ICYMI: Yoruba, Hausa Teachers Needed In US
The US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria has announced that the services of Yoruba and Hausa teachers are needed in the United States. According to the Public Affairs Section of the US Mission Nigeria…
Controversy Over Man Who Jumped From 7th Floor Of 1004 During EFCC Raid
The police in Lagos State have begun investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged death of a man at 1004 Estate, Victoria Island, who allegedly jumped from the 7th floor of one of the buildings. The man was…
INEC Lists Five Challenges Ahead Of 2023 Elections
AS politicians step up horse-trading ahead of subsequent elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has listed five main areas of likely challenges…
After Two Years, Daddy Freeze Apologises To Bishop Oyedepo
Daddy Freeze whose real name is Ifedayo Olarinde has apologised to Bishop Oyedepo who is the presiding bishop and founder of Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel…
AS a response to the widespread insecurity in the country, the Senate, last week, proposed…
An Appeal Court sitting in Benin, the Edo State capital, has dismissed the appeal filed…
Kayokem International Foundation during its second anniversary held in Abeokuta, Ogun State supported over 3000…
Ekiti State government has restated ban on any High Chief and individual adorning in beaded…
As digital assets regain momentum in 2025, the spotlight is shifting toward cryptocurrencies that combine…
By: Hezekiah. O. Bamiji IN April 2017, when the sudden demise of the first civilian…
This website uses cookies.