Fresh Benue attack: Gunmen shoot resident as troops launch manhunt

Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have launched a manhunt for suspected gunmen after responding to an attack on Azebiam community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, where one resident was shot.

The development was disclosed in a report by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security analyst covering the Lake Chad region.

According to the report, troops stationed at Kyado were mobilised at about 3:23pm. on July 18 after receiving a distress call that armed men had attacked residents of the community.

By the time the troops arrived, the attackers had already fled after shooting one of the residents.

Makama further reported that security personnel have since intensified patrols across the community while maintaining a strong security presence in the area to prevent further attacks and track down those responsible for the assault.

“Troops have continued to dominate the general area and intensify patrols to forestall further attacks.”

Military authorities also appealed to residents to continue providing timely intelligence to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to ongoing operations aimed at curbing violent attacks in parts of Benue State.