Bandits in military uniform Wednesday attacked Abaji market in Benue State, firing intermittent gunshots. About thirteen (13) persons were reportedly injured.

Two armed bandits, disguised themselves in military uniforms, were said to be loyalist of the late militia leader, Terwase Agwaza alias Gana. Gana was reportedly killed in a gun battle with the troops of the joint military operation code – named, Operation Whirls Stroke at Abaji in Katsina – Ala Local Government Area of Benue State hours after they opened fire on traders at Abaji market, one person lost his life, while more ten people were injured.

Reports culled from Vanguard, said the troops of OPWS responded to a distress call from the market at the time of the attack. A source who confirmed the incident said, “It all started at about 4:30 to 5pm on Wednesday, when we started hearing sporadic gunshots at Abaji market and people ran for their lives.

“We actually alerted the troops of the OPWS who responded promptly and came to repel the bandits in the gun battle that ensued the solders killed the two of the bandits and recovered their AK 47 rifle and many live ammunition, but others escaped with bullet wounds.

“It was later discovered that one of the traders was killed by the bandits, while 13 others sustained bullets wounds but they were all rushed to the hospital in Katsina Ala,” the source said.

The Chairman of Katsina- Ala Local Government Area , Mr Alfred Alera, who confirmed the attack, and the number of casualties, blamed it on loyalists of late Gana who were demanding revenue from markets in Katsina – Ala.

“More patrol teams were immediately drafted to the scene to assist officers on ground, cordon and search operations is on progress,” she added.

Lolo Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News