Herdsmen Who Plan To Attack Ortom Fish Farm Engage Soldiers In Gun Duel In Benue

Suspected herdsmen have engaged men of the 707 special forces brigade of the Nigerian Army, Makurdi, Benue State in a gun battle.

This was disclosed by the Spokesman of the brigade, Olabisi Ayeni, in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the suspects were plotting to attack a fish farm belonging to Governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, .

“Troops of 707 Special Forces Brigade, Nigerian Army, on a routine patrol along Gbajimba – Iyiodeh road in Guma LGA of Benue State on Tuesday 6 February 2018 arrested two Fulani militia who were suspected to be planning a dangerous mission,” he said.

“The troops sighted a group of these people while on their daily patrol. The militia who were suspected to be converging, possibly for an attack on Governor Ortom’s fish farm and other innocent citizens were about to be approached for questioning when they opened fire on the troops who later engaged them.

“When the troops accosted the herdsmen, they opened fire on the troops, who in turn engaged them in a shootout.

“In the course of the shootout, some of the herdsmen fled the area while two were arrested and handed over to the police,” Ayeni

Nigerian Army last Wednesday launched operation Cat Race to tackle the menace of herdsmen killings in Benue and neighbouring states.