Following herdsmen attack in Benue State, there are indications that the number of security personnel that were killed in Okokolo ward, Agatu Local Government Area, (LGA), of the state may have risen to seven, even as the attack has left scores wounded and many others displaced.
Reports have it said that among those that allegedly lost their lives to the attack are four soldiers; a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and two locals.
The Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia however insisted that only two soldiers and a personnel of the NSCDC, lost their lives in the incident, while two other soldiers escaped with gunshot wounds.
In a press statement signed by the Force Commander and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Saturday, General Igbinomwanhia explained that OPWS troops averted the sacking of Okokolo community at the huge cost of losing the lives of his men.
While narrating the incident that led to the loss of lives, he said, “On 18th January, 2024, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke deployed at Akwu in Agatu LGA of Benue State were alarmed with the presence of people fleeing from Okokolo community in the same LGA.
“On inquiry, the troops were informed that terrorists suspected to be armed herdsmen were advancing towards the town to attack it.
The troops immediately mobilised and proceeded to the community which is about 15 kilometers away from their base.
“On arrival, the troops encountered the bandits carrying out an 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 and operations are already on to track the assailants to their hideout.
“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 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) hospital in Makurdi.”
The FC also used the opportunity to intimate the troops of the support of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the conduct of their operations. The troops were also informed of the speedy recovery of the wounded soldiers taken to the hospital as a result of the incident.
He also assured the governor of the commitment of the OPWS to continue to carry out the mandate and mission of the Force as aptly directed by the CDS for the security of lives and property in the Force Joint Operations Area (JOA).
General Igbinomwanhia also commended the troops and encouraged them to put the set-back of the loss of their colleagues behind and remain focused on the mission of ridding the JOA of the Force of all criminality.
In reaction to the gallantry exhibited by the troops of OPWS, the state Governor, Rev Fr hyacinth Alia, represented by his Deputy, Barr Sam Ode, visited the troops alongside the Force Commander, OPWS on Friday.
The Governor who commensurated with the troops of Sector 5, OPWS, and the entire OPWS troops, assured the Joint Task Force of the continual support of the State Government and promised to assist in the treatment of the wounded.
Confirming the death of the two locals, the lawmaker representing Agatu State Constituency, at the Benue State House of Assembly (BNHA), Godwin Edoh, said two villagers have died so far.
He said “Yes, the attack was from herdsmen on Thursday. We had casualties, some were injured and we lost some lives. What happened was that there were threats of attacks on some villages, Ocholonya and Ugboju K’ Ugbe, for the past six days.
“So those people deserted their place and relocated to Okokolo; it is in Okokolo that the herdsmen came to attack.”
Edoh further observed that “We lost two people so far. A lot of people were injured and we are still monitoring their medication.”
Another source explained that “the militia have crossed around the Otiya community. They are still crossing with weapons.
“We are waiting for military reinforcement through Olegomakwu, Olegonyilo, Nahem, Ocholonya in Agatu because no single person is in their home right now”, he stressed.
The Special Adviser to Governor Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, also confirmed the attack.
He said a delegation of the Deputy Governor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Strategic Liaison, Col Alexander Anshungu, Commissioner of Police and others have visited the scene of the incident.
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