By Vicky Attah, Correspondent
The military has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace in Benue State, assuring residents of Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area that those behind the recent attack on the area will be tracked down and brought to justice.
The assurance was given by the Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, during an operational visit to the community on July 15.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the visit formed part of efforts to assess the security situation, reassure affected residents and strengthen ongoing operations to restore lasting peace.
Accompanied by principal staff officers, commanding officers and component commanders, Gara met with community leaders, youths and other stakeholders to gather first-hand information that could aid security agencies in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the attack.
The Force Commander began the visit with a condolence call on retired Major General HOU Adoga at his residence in Upu, where he sympathised with families affected by the violence before proceeding to Otukpo-Nobi for a peace and security meeting with community leaders and youths.
Addressing the gathering, Gara expressed condolences over the loss of lives and assured residents that troops would relentlessly pursue those behind the attack until they were brought to justice.
He also reassured residents that the military would not allow criminal elements to force them from their ancestral homes and urged members of the community to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
During the meeting, community representatives alleged that suspected armed criminals had repeatedly destroyed farmlands, uprooted yam and cassava crops, and threatened farmers with sophisticated weapons. They claimed the attackers were operating from the Amla Icho area.
The military team later attempted to reach Amla Icho for an operational assessment, but the effort was hampered by difficult terrain after several vehicles became bogged down.
Gara also visited the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force in Otukpo, ACP KO Ugochukwu, where he reaffirmed the importance of stronger inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity across the area.
The military said the visit underscored its resolve to restore lasting peace, strengthen cooperation among security agencies and sustain operations aimed at protecting lives and property across affected communities in Benue State.
