The Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, has pledged that the military will not rest until peace is restored in all areas affected by violence in Benue State.
This promise was made during his operational visit to several conflict-prone zones across the state. The statement was released on Tuesday by the acting Media Operations Officer of the OPWS headquarters, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, who shared details of the commander’s tour with reporters in Makurdi.
According to the statement, Major General Gara told troops to stay focused and carry out their duties with professionalism and discipline. He noted the importance of staying alert and working as a team to defeat the criminal groups that have been disturbing the peace in various local government areas of the state.
Gara said the Joint Task Force is using a combination of strategies, including direct military action and community-focused methods, to handle the ongoing security issues. He also noted that determination and unity among the troops are key to ending the violence in the region.
He stated that the military is fully committed to ensuring that peace returns and that those behind the attacks will face legal consequences. “The era of impunity is over. We are here to reassure our people that the military remains committed to safeguarding lives and property, and that no criminal will go unpunished,” he said.
During the visit, the commander also checked the morale and preparedness of the troops. He held meetings with field officers to review the progress of current operations, which aim to remove armed militias, bandits, and other violent groups from the region.
The areas visited by Major General Gara include Naka, Gwer West, Otukpo, Agatu, and Apa Local Government Areas. These locations have seen repeated cases of violence and displacement of residents in recent times.
