Gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen killed three farmers and wounded three soldiers attached to Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in the Ikobi community of Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
In the wake of the attack on Ikobi, troops of OPWS were deployed to the area to flush out the herdsmen and also prevent further attacks on communities in the area.
However, the troops were ambushed by some armed herdsmen in Mbappa, Gwer West LGA of the state on their way to carry out the assignment.
Despite suffering some casualties, the troops reportedly succeeded in overpowering the marauding herdsmen.
Confirming the incident, Flight Lieutenant Audu Katty, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), OPWS said, “Troops of OPWS received information about an attack on Ikobi community on 4th February 2023 at about 5 pm and responded immediately.
“The gallant troops moved to the area and cleared the community and the rampaging armed herders fled towards Nasarawa State on sighting the troops.
“While the troops were moving towards Agagbe, they had contact with some bandits. The bandits fired at the troops and our troops engaged them with superior firepower that lasted for about 30 minutes.
“The situation though dicey has been stabilized.
“Three of our troops sustained various degrees of injuries. The injured troops are currently receiving treatment”, he added.
