Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 36 civilians from Benue State who were allegedly held by members of Imaje Community in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State following a reprisal attack linked to a livestock theft dispute.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 3:30 p.m. on Thursday by troops of 130 Battalion (Rear) in conjunction with 341 Artillery Regiment during a raid on the community.
The sources said the troops successfully rescued the 36 victims, all indigenes of Benue State residing in Imaje Community.
According to the rescued victims, the incident stemmed from the alleged assault of an indigene of Imaje by youths in Benue State over the theft of livestock.
The victims alleged that, in retaliation, members of Imaje Community attacked Benue indigenes living in the area and held them against their will.
The prompt intervention by the troops restored normalcy to the community and prevented further escalation of the crisis.
Security agencies are maintaining a presence in the area to forestall any renewed violence, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
By Zagazola Makama
