Driver gunned down as troops exchange fire with bandits on Makurdi–Kura road

Troops of the Nigerian military on Wednesday evening confronted a group of bandits along the Makurdi–Kura road in Benue State, disrupting an attempted kidnapping in the area.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the soldiers engaged the armed criminals in a fierce exchange of fire after intercepting their operation. While the intervention prevented the abduction, the incident sadly resulted in the death of a driver who was caught in the crossfire.

The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. when a team of engineers travelling from Kura toward Makurdi ran into armed men who had blocked the highway, allegedly poised to seize passengers in a bus ahead.

A local source said troops on routine patrol were driving behind the engineers’ vehicle and immediately opened fire on the attackers, prompting the bandits to retreat into the surrounding bush.

In the exchange, Ochoche Otokolo Ekwu, who was behind the wheel of the engineers’ vehicle, was struck by a stray bullet and died instantly.

According to the source, the Divisional Police Officer of ‘D’ Division deployed a patrol squad and tactical units to the spot, where the victim’s remains were recovered and taken to a mortuary in Makurdi.

Security personnel are said to be sweeping the area in search of the fleeing suspects to forestall further incidents along the route.