Army Recovers Bodies Of 11 Slain Soldiers In Benue, Trails Killers

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of one officer and 10 soldiers who are on stabilisation operation in Benue State by yet to be identified criminals.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima in Abuja on Thursday.

He explained that the troops were initially declared missing which led to the deployment of a joint search and rescue team comprising army troops and personnel of Operation Whirl Stroke.

According to him, the search and rescue team unfortunately found all the missing troops dead in Konshisha Local Government Area of the state.

He said, while the bodies of the slain troops were evacuated immediately, efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime with a view to bringing them to justice.

The spokesman of the NA noted that the service under the leadership of the Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, would remain resolute in ensuring stability in Benue and other parts of the country that are affected by the activities of criminal gangs.

Yerima assured that the army authority was determined to ensure that the “unprovoked attack” did not disrupt the general peace being enjoyed by the local inhabitants.

He added that the COAS 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.

“It may be recalled that Benue which was a hot bed for violent clashes has been enjoying relative peace following the successes achieved by the various security agencies who have 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 appeal to the public to volunteer useful information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act,” he said.