Troops deny killing herdsmen, promises to unravel sponsors

Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. John Agim yesterday denied allegations that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke killed six herdsmen.
The troops also promised to investigate those who killed two of their soldiers and unravel those sponsoring killer herdsmen.
It could be noted that chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Mohammed Hussein, had in some national dailies accused men of Operation Whirl Stroke of killing 6 of their members and 150 cows.
But at a press briefing held yesterday at the Tactical Air Command headquarters, Makurdi the Benue state capital, Agim said the troops of OPWS did not kill herdsmen or cows as claimed by MACBAN chairman in Lafia.
He stated that it was the duty of the OPWS to ensure that all the people in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara the operation is covering go about their lawful duties without fear of molestation from any quarters.
Agim wondered why MACBAN could claim that their members and cows were killed after a militia group in Keana, Nasarawa state reorganised and attacked troops of OPWS, killing two of their members, including the commanding officer who led the operation, following an earlier operation carried out by the troops.
“Following this incidence some troops of OPWS were mobilised for reinforcement.
In the fire fight that ensued some of the militia must have sustained some casualties as we were able to extricate our men that were injured.
“In the course of the fighting OPWS troops recovered I x AK 41 rifle fitted with magazine.
2 locally made guns.
1 x pistol l x axe and 800 rounds of 7.62mm special.
This was the criminal group that our troops were able to destroy their camp.
“For the chairman of the Nasarawa state chapter of MACBAN to identify and associate them as members of his association begs for questions and answers.
“While the military is not in a hurry to link MACBAN to this militia, investigation has begun to unravel those behind the death of our men.
The military is ready to take down those who are responsible alongside their sponsors no matter how highly placed,” he said.

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