Troops engaged bandits in a fierce confrontation along the Makurdi–Kura road in Benue State on Wednesday evening, leading to the death of a driver caught in the crossfire.
Security analyst Zagozola Makama reported that the soldiers disrupted an attempted kidnapping during the encounter, though the operation tragically claimed the life of one motorist.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. when a team of engineers travelling from Kura toward Makurdi ran into armed men who had blocked the highway, allegedly poised to seize passengers in a bus ahead.
A local source said troops on routine patrol were driving behind the engineers’ vehicle and immediately opened fire on the attackers, prompting the bandits to retreat into the surrounding bush.
In the exchange, Ochoche Otokolo Ekwu, who was behind the wheel of the engineers’ vehicle, was struck by a stray bullet and died instantly.
According to the source, the Divisional Police Officer of ‘D’ Division deployed a patrol squad and tactical units to the spot, where the victim’s remains were recovered and taken to a mortuary in Makurdi.
Security personnel are said to be sweeping the area in search of the fleeing suspects to forestall further incidents along the route.
Post A Comment: