Military Warns Criminals Fuelling Violence In Benue

The Force Commander Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, has warned criminal elements fuelling the cycle of violence in the Benue valley to desist from it or face dire consequences.

He reaffirmed the commitment of “Operation WHIRL STROKE” to halting incessant killings of innocent persons and cattle rustling in the area.

Gara condemned the violence and criminality, warning that perpetrators would be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.

He gave the warning following swift responses of troops  to two separate breaches of security incidents in Guma local government area of Benue State.

In the first case, troops rescued an injured herder and arrested the suspects linked to cattle rustling.

According to a statement by the acting media information officer HQ JTF operation WHIRL STROKE, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, troops on 15th February, 2026, were informed that two herders were attacked at Amua Village, located within the expanse of land stretching from Daudu to Umenger/Ukpiam in Guma LGA.

He said the troops deployed at Umenger mobilised to the scene and on arrival, it was confirmed that the attack led to the death of one herder, while the second victim sustained gunshot wounds.

He said the injured herder was immediately evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent medical treatment.

The statement also noted that the remains of the deceased was subsequently handed over to community representatives for burial in accordance with local customs.

In a related development on the same day, troops stationed at Ukpiam acting on intelligence provided by vigilant youths concerning suspected cattle rustling activities arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Mr Terngu Aondohemba, who reportedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders.

The suspect also implicated two accomplices, identified as Mr Akpehe and Ashinge, who are currently at large.

Further investigation led troops to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mrs Mercy Onban, wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat, was apprehended alongside the recovered meat exhibits.

Both suspects remain in custody pending further investigation.

The Force Commander therefore, called on community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, emphasising that timely intelligence sharing remains critical to restoring lasting peace.

He reassured law-abiding residents of the strong resolve of the Joint Task Force to safeguard lives and property across the region.