An unprovoked attack on troops of the Nigerian Army, NA, while on a routine operational task in Benue State, has left ten soldiers and one officer dead.
According to a press statement released late yesterday, 8th April, by the Army’s Director of Public Relations, Brig.Gen. Mohammed Yerima, a joint search and rescue team, comprising Army troops and personnel of Operation Whirl Stroke, had been deployed after the slain troops were initially declared missing.
The search and rescue team unfortunately found all the missing troops dead in Konshisha LGA of Benue State.
While the bodies of the 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 statement assures that the NA, under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, remains resolute in ensuring stability in Benue State and other parts of the country being affected by the activities of criminal gangs.
The NA also remains determined to ensure that unprovoked attacks of this nature do not disrupt the general peace being enjoyed by the local inhabitants.
The COAS has therefore directed commanders on the ground to ensure sustained efforts in order to fish out and deal decisively with these bad elements threatening the peace in the area.
It may be recalled that Benue State 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 NA, through the statement, appeals to the public to volunteer useful information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act.
