March 06, (THEWILL)- The Commander of Operations WhirlStroke (OPWS) in Benue state, Major General Sunday Igbinomwahia, has confirmed the death of thirty militia men that clashed in Ukum local Government area in the state.
General Igbinomwahia, who made the disclosure at the joint Security briefing at Government House, Makurdi, on Wednesday, stated that the reasons for their clash is yet to be ascertained.
“The casualty was on both sides and we are yet to establish reasons for the clash. It is not external invasion in the community.”
The OPWS Commander, who is the chairman of the 7-Man Committee set up by the Benue State Security Council to enforce the 14 days ultimatum given to invading herders to vacate Benue State, noted that some foreign herdsmen found in Kwande local Government area were hit including their cattle, while some fled the scene on seen troops.
According to him, the 14-day ultimatum given to herders to vacate Benue State was substantially complied with, noting that there is no manpower shortage in enforcement it mandate in the state.
“No shortage of personnel. We are also using motorcycles to move into various communities because herders are not occupying a permanent sites in the area.
In his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioners for Justice and Public Order, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim explained that the Anti-Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Law 2017 in Benue State is still in force, and anyone who contrave it will be prosecuted.
He pointed that a 7-man committee was set up by State Security Council following the influx of armed herders and their cows.
Earlier, the State Deputy Governor, Dr Sam Odeh, who presided over the briefing, the state government had issued a statement announcing the presence of Anti-Open Grazing Prohibition Law still in force.
According to him, the State Government did a review on the ultimatum and on the 1st of March, 2024 and was satisfied with the interim report of OPWS.
He call on Benue public to be law abiding and report suspicious movement to security agencies for proper action.
The briefing was attended by the Commissioner of Police, State Director of State Security Service, Commandant Federal Road Safety Commission, the Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, among others.
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