The Nigerian Army has confirmed that one officer and 10 soldiers who were on stabilisation operation in Benue State were killed.
Army spokesman Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima in a statement on Thursday said the troops were initially declared missing, prompting the deployment of a joint search and rescue team comprising army troops and personnel of Operation Whirl Stroke.
He said the search and rescue team found the missing troops dead in Konshisha Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, while the bodies of the slain troops were evacuated immediately, efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators.
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 chief of army staff has directed commanders on the ground to ensure sustained efforts to fish out and deal decisively with people who are threatening 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 appeals to the public to volunteer useful information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act,” he said.
