The joint military security known as Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Benue State said it has taken over nearby forests of the area where Governor Samuel Ortom was attacked by suspected armed herdsmen last Saturday.
Commander of the operation, Major General Adeyemi Yekini disclosed this while conducting newsmen around the scene of the attack on Tuesday.
General Yekini said that troops were deployed to Tyo-Mu community to increase surveillance in the area and restore peace and order.
Yekini was accompanied during the exercise by the Security Adviser to Governor Ortom, Col. Paul Hemba (retd.)
He noted that his troops had immediately moved in to patrol, comb and clear the area.
He said: “We are here to show you that the general area is clear of any bandits. The incident was quite unfortunate.
“When we were alerted we immediately combed the area. We should not be judged by this singular assignment.
“We have accepted it was a security breach and we will take action.”
He disclosed that in the course of its patrol the troops discovered a makeshift camp of the armed herders which it destroyed and set ablaze.
ElombahNews reported earlier in the day that the Benue State Police Command arrested three fishermen over the recent attack on the convoy of the Benue State Governor last Saturday in Makurdi, the state capital.
The Security Adviser to the governor disclosed this on Tuesday during the tour of the scene of the attack, saying the suspects were found loitering in the area by police team.
Hemba said during the tour: “We are at the sight of the unfortunate incidence of the attack on Governor Samuel Ortom.
“He came into his farm and while touring the farm, he went to a small market and on his way back the gunmen who were hiding in the bushes opened fire on him.
“We quickly alerted the OPWS and they immediately responded and gave them a hot chase and they have been combing the bushes since then.
“We commend OPWS for their prompt response.
“The troops combed the bushes and found some makeshift hideouts and burnt them.
“We could not make any arrest because the bandits ran away as soon as the troops arrived,” he noted.
