Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke on Wednesday engaged suspected gunmen in a fierce gun battle at Abaji in Shitile axis of Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State leading to the death of four persons with several people injured.

The troops were said to have recovered one AK-47 rifle and ammunitions during the encounter with the gunmen.

Our correspondent gathered that some gunmen in military uniform had stormed a market in the area around 5pm on motorcycles and started shooting indiscriminately, causing the death of two persons and many others injured.

Chairman of the local government, Alfred Atera, who confirmed the attack said the gunmen, who were suspected to be loyal to the late warlord, Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana, rode into the market on motorcycles between 4pm and 5pm on Wednesday.

He said, “Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, who were on patrol of the area, were quickly alerted and they responded to a distress call and repelled the gunmen.”

A military source, who also confirmed to our correspondent, said troops were immediately mobilised to the market to repel the bandits, leading to a shootout between the troops and the bandits.

When contacted by telephone, the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO DSP Catherine Anene, said she had yet to be briefed on the matter.

The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Adeyemi Yekini, could not be reached on the phone when our correspondent called. (The PUNCH)