By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

The Nigerian Army troops alongside joint security patrol team on routine operation along the Naka?Adoka Road in Benue State exchanged gunfire with suspected herdsmen armed with AK-47 rifles who had blocked the road with their cattle.

Sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the confrontation occurred when the team encountered a group of herders obstructing the road while moving their cattle. On sighting the patrol, the herders fled into the bush, prompting the team to pursue them.

Two of the fleeing herders were spotted wielding assault rifles. Upon being challenged, the suspects opened fire on the security personnel while retreating further into the bush.

The patrol team returned fire and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area. Although the armed herders escaped.

The security operative seized a large number of livestock during the operation and taken to the station. (Zagazola, but headline rejigged)