An officer of the Nigerian Army and 10 soldiers, who formed the troops operating in Benue State, have been killed after they were attacked while on the task of routine stabilisation operation.
This was disclosed by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, on Thursday, April 8, 2021.
The troops, comprising of the officer and 10 soldiers, had been initially declared missing, which, according to Yerima, prompted the deployment of a joint search-and-rescue team, comprising Nigerian Army troops and personnel of Operation Whirl Stroke.
“The search-and-rescue team, unfortunately, found all the missing troops dead in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State.
“While the bodies of the slain troops were evacuated immediately, efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime, to bring them to justice,” the Army Public Relations Director stated.
He added that the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, remained resolute in ensuring stability in Benue State, as well as other parts of the country that were being affected by the activities of criminal gangs.
He stated further: “The Nigerian Army remains determined to ensure that this unprovoked attack does not disrupt the general peace being enjoyed by the local inhabitants.
“The Chief of Army Staff has therefore directed commanders on the ground to ensure sustained efforts, to fish out and deal decisively with these bad elements who are threatening the peace in the area.”
Yerima said it would be recalled that Benue State, which had been a hot bed for violent clashes, had been enjoying relative peace, following the successes achieved by the various security agencies who had been working tirelessly to safeguard law-abiding citizens and ensure they go about their legitimate business without fear of harassment by criminals.
“The Nigerian Army appeals to the public to volunteer useful information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act,” he urged.
