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 LGA of Taraba State, after a brief exchange of gunfire with some 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 the troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle and 39 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Oni said the operation that led to the successful elimination of the bandit was on the heels of the 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 peace and security in the area.
He said, during the visit, the commander “emphasized the need for increased military presence and proactive operations within the general area.”
Oni further stated 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”.
In the mean time, following escalation of tensions between residents of Kashimbila in Takum LGA of Taraba State and Jato Aka in Kwande LGA of Benue State, Gen. Uwa has convened a meeting of stakeholders from the communities to broker peace.
Oni said the meeting at the palace of the chief of Kashimbila, Alhaji Zakeri Musa, became necessary “in response to tensions between locals of the two communities, which led to attacks on motorists along the Kashimbila-Jato Aka road. “
He disclosed 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.