One person has been confirmed dead and another injured following an alleged attack by suspected cattle rustlers in Benue State.
PUNCH Metro gathered from a statement issued on Monday by the acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, that troops of the Joint Task Force arrested two suspects in connection with the incidents.
According to the statement, troops responded to two separate security breaches in Guma Local Government Area on February 15, 2026.
Zubairu explained that troops were alerted to an attack on two herders at Amua Village, located within the axis stretching from Daudu to Umenger/Ukpiam.
“On arrival, it was confirmed that the attack resulted in the death of one herder, while the second victim sustained gunshot wounds. The injured herder was immediately evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent medical attention,” he said.
He added that the remains of the deceased were handed over to community representatives for burial in line with local customs.
On the same day, troops stationed at Ukpiam acted on intelligence provided by local youths, leading to the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba.
“The troops, acting on credible information, moved swiftly and arrested Mr Terngu Aondohemba, who reportedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders,” Zubairu stated.
“He also named two accomplices, identified as Mr Akpehe and Ashinge, who are currently at large.”
The spokesman further disclosed that follow-up investigations led troops to Korje Village in Daudu, where a woman, Mrs Mercy Onban — wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat — was apprehended alongside the recovered meat exhibits.
He said the suspects are currently in custody pending further investigation.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to curbing killings and cattle rustling within its Joint Operations Area.
He condemned the violence and criminal activities, warning that perpetrators would be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.
Gara also urged community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, emphasising that timely intelligence sharing is critical to restoring lasting peace.
He reassured law-abiding residents of the task force’s resolve to safeguard lives and property across the region.
The arrests and rescue efforts highlight ongoing military operations aimed at addressing violence affecting both farmers and herders in parts of the state.
The incidents come amid a series of attacks earlier this year. In January 2026, PUNCH Metro reported deadly attacks in the Udeku community, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, where two security operatives were killed and several residents displaced.
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