By Emmanuel Antswen
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) and personnel of Joint Task Force Operation Zenda have clashed in Naka, headquarters of Gwer West Local Government of Benue.
Our correspondent learnt that the incident took place on Wednesday evening near Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West LGA.
A credible source from the military told our correspondent that OPWS personnel did not ambush Operation Zenda personnel but were at their military checkpoint when the incident occurred.
The source said that they sighted some people on motorcycles at a JTF OPWS checkpoint with suspicious luggage.
“When troops attempted to stop the motorcyclists for questioning, a Toyota Hilux vehicle approached the checkpoint at high speed and refused to stop despite several signals.
“The troops, in an attempt to halt the vehicle for proper identification, fired warning shots as standard security procedure, but the driver sped off into Naka town.
“Shortly after, sporadic gunfire was heard within the town. Unfortunately, a 12-year-old boy was hit in the leg by a stray bullet.
“The child is currently receiving medical attention and is in stable condition.
“On the same day, personnel of Operation Zenda returned to the checkpoint demanding the release of suspects earlier apprehended,” the source said.
When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, confirmed that there was indeed a clash between the two security operations but was yet to have full details.
Udeme said details of the incident would be communicated to the media after a full investigation.
