Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have apprehended two suspected cattle rustlers in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, and made available to our correspondent.
According to the statement, the suspects were arrested on Sunday, while the troops were en route to reinforce the Nigeria Police, who had earlier encountered armed herders on the outskirts of Udei village.
The suspects, identified as Raymond Abina (32) and Sunday Faga (21), both of Ukohol Village in Guma LGA, were intercepted while riding a motorcycle and attempting to exit the bush with a sack containing what was later confirmed to be freshly butchered cow meat.
“Upon questioning, the duo alleged that they purchased the meat from a Fulani herder deep within the forest,” the statement said.
However, preliminary investigations revealed that the meat came from a stolen cow rustled in Tse Pokiau Village, within the Daudu area of the same local government.
“The suspects will be handed over to the relevant agency for prosecution at the end of preliminary investigations,” Zubairu added.
The OPWS Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, reiterated that cattle theft, destruction of farmlands, and jungle justice are criminal acts that contribute to insecurity in the state.
He urged residents to avoid violence and criminality and to report perpetrators to security agencies. He warned that anyone caught would face the full weight of the law.
Stressing that peace and security are collective responsibilities, the Force Commander also called on community members, especially in rural areas, to activate early warning systems and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security post.
(Punch)
