Troops bust cow rustling ring fueling Benue killings

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have arrested suspected cattle rustlers linked to violent attacks in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State following two separate security operations.

Security sources said the troops responded on February 15 to an attack on herders at Amua Village, situated between Daudu and Umenger/Ukpiam. The incident left one herder dead, while another sustained gunshot injuries and was evacuated to Nasarawa State for urgent medical treatment.

The body of the deceased was later handed over to community leaders for burial in line with local customs.

In a related development, soldiers deployed to Ukpiam acted on intelligence provided by local youths about suspected cattle rustling activities.

The troops arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba, who allegedly confessed to killing two cows belonging to Fulani herders and named two accomplices, identified as Akpehe and Ashinge, who remain at large.

Further investigations led security operatives to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mrs. Mercy Onban, wife of a suspected buyer of the stolen meat, was apprehended.

Recovered meat believed to be from the rustled cattle was also seized. Both suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.

The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, condemned the attacks and criminal activities, reiterating the task force’s resolve to curb killings and cattle rustling across the operational area.

He called on community leaders and residents to cooperate with security agencies through timely intelligence sharing, assuring law-abiding citizens of sustained efforts to protect lives and property.