Operation WHIRL STROKE Delegation Attends Burial of Slain Benue MACBAN Chairman, Son in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Senior military officers from Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) on June 27 attended the burial of the late Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State Chapter, Ardo Risku Muhammed, and his son, Yakubu Isah, in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The father and son were killed in an attack in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State while returning from a peace meeting, an incident that has drawn widespread condemnation.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the burial ceremony, held at about 10:30 a.m., was attended by the Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, represented by the Coordinator of the Intelligence Cell, Lt. Col. S.I. Auwal.
Also present at the funeral were representatives of the 72 Special Forces Battalion and the 21 Battalion, who joined family members, community leaders and sympathisers in paying their last respects to the deceased.
Speaking during the ceremony, Lt. Col. Auwal conveyed the condolences of the Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE and the Nigerian military to the bereaved family.
He assured the family that security agencies were committed to ensuring that those responsible for the killings were identified, apprehended and brought to justice.
The military officer also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that would aid ongoing investigations and operations aimed at restoring peace and security in the area.
Military sources said the burial was conducted peacefully without any security incident, while security personnel maintained adequate presence throughout the ceremony.
