From Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE, have killed one suspected bandit along the Bandawa Karim road in Karim local government area of Taraba State after a brief exchange of gunfire with the bandits.
Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army who disclosed this in a statement issued in Jalingo on Wednesday said that the troops also recovered one AK 47 riffle and 39 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Oni said the operation that led to the successful elimination of the bandit comes at the heels of strategic operational visit of the Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army Gen Kinsley Uwa to the Chief of Bandawa and fruitful engagement with stakeholders on means to restore lasting peace and security in the area.
He said that during the visit, the Commander “emphasized the need for increased military presence and proactive operations within the general area”.
Oni further states that “acting swiftly on this directive, troops on a fighting patrol along the Bandawa–Karim Lamido road made contact with suspected bandits attempting to disrupt the peace of the area. In the brief but fierce encounter, troops gallantly engaged the criminals, neutralizing one of the bandits and successfully recovering One AK-47 rifle and 39 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition”.
Meanwhile, following escalation of tension between residents of Kashimbila in Takum local government area of Taraba State and Jato Aka in Kwande local government area of Benue State, the commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army General Kinsley Uwa has convened a meeting of stakeholders in both communities to broker lasting peace.
Oni said the meeting which was held at the palace of Chief of Kashimbila Alhaji Zakeri Musa became necessary following “in response to tensions between locals of the Two communities, which led to attacks on motorists along the Kashimbila–Jato Aka road”
He disclose that both communities agreed to embrace peace and shun all forms of violence, pledging to work together for the safety and development of the region.