April 9, 2021

The Nigerian Army says efforts are ongoing to track down killers of troops slain in Benue with a view to bringing them to Justice perpetrators of this heinous crime.

confirmed the killing of one officer and 10 soldiers who are on stabilisation operation in the State by yet to be identified criminals the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday said, the bodies of the slain troops were evacuated immediately.

He noted that the search and rescue team unfortunately found all the missing troops dead in Konshisha Local Government Area of the state after they 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.

Yerima said that Nigerian Army 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.

He gave assurance that the army authority was determined to ensure that the unprovoked attack does not disrupt the general peace being enjoyed by the local inhabitants.

According to him, 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. (NAN)