The tension in Koshisha and Oju community in Benue state due to series of bandit attacks, has caused great panic as a PDP chieften, and a business man was assassinated.
Two soldiers were also said to be missing; the bandits killed Elder Mbashinkpenga Kpenhir, the leader of the People’s Democratic party (PDP) in Mbayongo ward in Benue State local government area.
In Monday evening, the gunmen also killed an Igbo businessman.
It was gathered that the soldiers went on a regular patrol about 7pm in parts of the local government areas.
However, a soldier was reportedly found alive in the morning through the effort of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) troops on the path of the bandits. The Bonta boys bandits, named sources in the town, attacked the soldiers because they had come to dismantle an illegal road block they had installed
An eyewitness confirmed the incident; “when it happened we notified the OPWS members right away, who answered quickly, but the gunmen fled before their arrival.
“However, the soldiers are already on the bandits trail, and we hope that they will able soon to save the missing soldiers.
“I think this was probably done to scare the army who are doing a fantastic job in the State.”
Major General Adeyemi Yekini, OPWS force commander, said he was unable to comment on the ongoing activity and reffered journalists to the Defence Headquarters Department at Abuja.
But, Hon. James Jirgba President of the Koshisha Local Government Area, confirmed the incident.
He said, that it took place in a village between the local government areas of Oju and Koshisha. In the meantime, the killings of Shitil people in Katsina – Ala, came only few days after the local government area met and decided to interfare with the aggrieved young people in their fields on order to stop the rampart killings, bandits and other crime.
The killings took place in Katsina – Ala, the stake holders in Shitil, including traditional leaders, political and religious and opinion leaders vowed to address the needs of the aggrieved young people.
Lolo Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News
