Three of the military personnel in Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have been reported dead as a result of a brutal armed herdsmen attack on villages in Benue State’s Agatu Local Government Area (LGA).

Two more personnel were injured while performing their duties, according to an in-depth report of the incident given by OPWS Force Commander Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia.

According to Igbinomwanhia, the military’s prompt action was brought on by the large number of inhabitants that left the Okokolo hamlet on Thursday.

Upon investigation, the soldiers learned that terrorists, who appeared to be armed herdsmen, were moving to assault the town.

He described how “the troops mobilised immediately and proceeded to the community, which is about 15 km from their base.”

According to OHAFIA News, the soldiers confronted the armed bandits who were attacking the village and exchanged gunfire with them.

The commander reported that after a three-hour gunfight, the invaders were successfully repelled.

“The terrorists withdrew in chaos as they evacuated their dead and injured, effectively rebuffing the attack.” He went on to say.

“The achievement was, however, at a huge cost with three of the troops paying the supreme sacrifice to prevent the killing of the inhabitants of Okokolo and the intended sacking of the community,” Major General Igbinomwanhia said, expressing the high cost incurred by the military in securing Agatu.

Two soldiers and a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were among the dead, and two other soldiers were injured and quickly sent to the Nigerian Air Force Hospital in Makurdi to receive medical assistance.

He reported that Deputy Governor Sam Ode, on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia, had also paid a visit to the military.

The Governor expressed his sympathies, praised the bravery of the soldiers, assured the Joint Task Force of the State Government’s steadfast support, and promised to help with the injured soldiers’ care.