Operation Whirl Stroke Celebrates Independence Day with Displaced Children in Benue

Operation Whirl Stroke Celebrates Independence Day with Displaced Children in Benue

By Johnson Arua

The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, on Tuesday joined internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Daudu-2 Camp in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

A statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters, Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, Lt Ahmad Zubairu, said the Commander donated 3,000 copies of 60-page exercise books to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools across the Joint Operations Area of OPWS as part of the celebration.

Beneficiaries included learners from Ortese and Abagana IDP camps, as well as Government Secondary School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi, among others.

Speaking at the event, Major General Gara said the gesture was part of efforts to promote education, restore hope, and strengthen civil-military relations in communities affected by conflict.

“This donation is a symbol of our commitment to ensuring that displaced children are not denied access to education,” he said. “Our goal remains to provide a secure environment for your return home. I hope that when next I visit, it will be in your homes, not as IDPs.”

He urged the children to remain disciplined and focused on their studies, stressing that education is the foundation for a better future and improved living standards.

The Camp Manager, Mr. Noel Numbe, who spoke on behalf of the IDPs, appreciated the Commander’s support, describing the intervention as timely. He noted that many pupils had been unable to attend school due to a lack of writing materials and commended the troops for restoring peace that now allows residents to farm without fear.

A pupil, Tyokile Samuel, also thanked the Force Commander for his visit and generosity, praying for divine blessings upon him and his team.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of writing materials and palliatives, goodwill messages, a vote of thanks, and group photographs.