Soldiers of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have reportedly nabbed seven suspects in connection with the killings of 13 people over chieftaincy tussle in Ukpogo Community of Edikwu district in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
Daily Trust reports that 13 people were killed early hours of last week’s Monday after gunmen allegedly numbering up to 20 laid siege on the rural Ukpogo community and shot at the inhabitants sporadically.
However, it was learnt that the troops of OPWS who took charge of the vicinity after the mayhem on Monday apprehended the seven suspects said to be in connection with the unrest.
Local sources told who spoke on anonymity told newsmen in Makurdi that the suspects were arrested with dangerous weapons by soldiers who allegedly combed the surroundings to fish out the culprits following a tip off. Noting that the troops acted based on credible information made available to them which lead to the tracing of a ring leader of the suspects in a neighboring village.
“It was when these people were arrested that one of them led the troops to their hideout in Ugbokpo town leading to the arrest of additional two persons,” the source further disclosed.
But, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Adeyemi Yekini, declined comment on the matter as he referred journalists to the Defence Head Quarters Information Department for any inquiry.