Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have killed a suspected bandit believed to be involved in the attack that led to the death of former Secretary to the Benue State Government, David Salifu.
The suspect was killed during an anti-kidnapping operation at Jotar village near the Quarantine Checkpoint after troops acted on credible intelligence about the activities of suspected kidnappers in the area.
According to the military, preliminary findings indicate that the deceased suspect belonged to the gang responsible for the July 2 attack along the Wukari–Makurdi Road, during which Salifu sustained gunshot injuries that later claimed his life.
Explaining how the operation unfolded, the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Ahmad Zubairu, said in a statement issued on Monday that troops stationed at Kyado were deployed to Jotar village on July 2 after receiving intelligence that suspected kidnappers were planning an attack.
He said the troops engaged the armed suspects in a fierce gun battle on arrival, killing one of them while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
“On arrival at the scene, troops engaged the armed suspects in a fierce gun battle, neutralising one of the terrorists while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds,” Zubairu said.
He added that one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines were recovered from the scene.
Salifu, who also lectured at the Federal University, Wukari, died in the early hours of July 3 at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, after succumbing to the gunshot injuries he sustained during the attack.
A close associate, David Olofu, said the gunmen intercepted Salifu’s vehicle, ordered him to alight and shot him.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, also confirmed that Salifu was shot after attempting to escape an abduction attempt.
Commending the troops, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, praised their resilience and professionalism, urging them to sustain aggressive patrols and intensify pressure on criminal groups operating across Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states.
He also appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations.