By Olayemi Esan
The Nigerian Army on Thursday revealed that 11 of his gallant troops were killed in an attack by suspected Benue militiamen.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, who made the disclosure in a statement, described the act as an unprovoked attack.
According to the statement, the army said the attack took place in Konshisha council area of Benue State while troops were on routine operational task.
"The troops comprising one officer and ten soldiers were first declared missing which prompted the deployment of a joint search and rescue team comprising Nigerian Army troops and personnel of Operation Whirl Stroke", Yerima said.
He added that the search and rescue team unfortunately found all the missing troops dead in Konshisha LGA 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 with a view to bringing them to Justice.
Army spokesman also stressed that the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the COAS, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru remains resolute in ensuring stability in Benue State as well as other parts of the country that are affected by the activities of criminal gangs.
The Nigerian Army remains determined to ensure that this unprovoked attack does 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 who are 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 Nigerian Army, therefore, appeals to the public to volunteer useful information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act.
