The gunmen who are suspected to be loyalists of the slain criminal kingpin, Terwase Akwaza popularly known as ‘Gana’, stormed the rural area at about 4:00 am, shot sporadically, and also set several buildings including a police station and police pick-up van on fire.
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) however quelled the attack in collaboration with the Police. They reportedly killed one of the suspected bandits in a swift counter-response.
Council Chairman of Katsina-Ala, Alfred Atera who spoke to Daily Trust confirmed the attack and also disclosed that one policeman was killed in the attack while the police station, a police vehicle, and several houses were burnt by the bandits.
He also said that youths in Tse Harga formed a vigilante group and have been doing well to contain insecurity in their domain.
Atera said;
“The armed bandits targetted the youth who formed themselves into a vigilante group.
“They stormed the area (Tse Harga), burn the police station, police pick-up van and killed a policeman there.
“They also burnt several houses which I cannot ascertain now. But as for the locals, nobody was killed.”
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue Command, DSP Catherine Anene also confirmed the killing of a policeman in the affected area.