Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have successfully averted what could have been another bloody communal clash between Ugambe community in Konshisha Local Government Area and Mbaiase community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to reports, the troops acted on a distress call on October 8, 2025, after renewed hostilities erupted between the two neighbouring communities, which have a long history of land and boundary disputes. On arrival, the soldiers reportedly came under heavy gunfire from armed men dressed in black, believed to be members of rival militias involved in the conflict.
In a statement released by the Force Headquarters of Operation Whirl Stroke, the troops swiftly engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bushes. The operation led to the recovery of a magazine, eight rounds of 7.62×39 mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 7.62×51 mm NATO ammunition, 15 empty shell casings, and several charms believed to have been used by the assailants.
Unfortunately, three civilians were killed and one person injured before the arrival of the troops. The wounded victim was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital in Aliade, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited in the hospital’s morgue.
The Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their prompt and professional response, which prevented the violence from escalating into a full-scale communal war. He assured residents that OPWS remains committed to ensuring lasting peace and security across its operational areas.
“This intervention demonstrates our resolve to protect innocent lives and restore peace in all troubled parts of Benue and neighboring states,” General Gara said. He further urged traditional rulers, local leaders, and community elders from both sides to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Daily Trust gathered that tension between Ugambe and Mbaiase communities has persisted for years, with intermittent clashes linked to land ownership and boundary disputes. Earlier in the year, prominent stakeholders, including a university lecturer, Dr. Vearumun Tarhule, appealed for the cessation of hostilities and called on both communities to resolve their grievances amicably.
Sources within the region revealed that the Tiv traditional council, under the leadership of the Tor Tiv, had also recently directed local chiefs to flush out militias and criminal elements responsible for fueling violence in the area.
Security analysts note that while the intervention by Operation Whirl Stroke has averted immediate bloodshed, lasting peace will depend on continued dialogue, community reconciliation, and the enforcement of law and order to prevent reprisal attacks.
As of press time, normalcy had returned to the affected areas, though troops are maintaining surveillance to prevent further violence. Residents have been advised to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies in their peacekeeping efforts.