By Our Correspondent
The Pioneer President of the Middle Belt Journalists Forum (MBJF), Jonathan Ipaa, has called on stakeholders across the region not to relent in the fight against rising insecurity. He urged for renewed collaboration between communities and security agencies, particularly the military, to dismantle bandit networks and restore peace.
Ipaa made the appeal at a weekend town hall engagement with youth leaders from across the Middle Belt held in Makurdi, Benue State.
According to him, deeper synergy between traditional rulers, youth groups, community associations and troops deployed across the region would significantly strengthen ongoing operations such as Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
Ipaa, a senior journalist who recently visited Jato-Aka, Kwande, Naka and Makurdi in Benue State, as well as Mangu, Bokkos, Irigwe and parts of Nasarawa State, stressed that communities must be proactive. He urged youth leaders to shun all forms of criminality—including kidnapping, banditry and any acts that may fuel conflict—and to promptly report early warning signs to security agencies.
He also commended troops of Sector 1 of Operation Whirl Stroke for their recent successful raid on a major bandits’ hideout in the Aterayange area of Ukum LGA, Benue State, where several suspects were neutralised and others arrested.
Operation Whirl Stroke, a joint security initiative covering Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states, is led by Major General Moses Gara and continues to target notorious elements, including militia kingpins such as the figure known as “Full Fire.”
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