Benue Attack: Nigerian Army Loses Officer, 10 Soldiers

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of one officer and ten soldiers who went missing in Benue state recently.

Their bodies were found at Konshisha Local Government Area of the State by a search team drawn from Operation Whirl Stroke.

A statement by the Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, described as unprovoked said the violent attack on the troops that resulted in the death of its personnel in Benue State.

According the statement; “Nigerian Army (NA) troops operating in Benue State came under attack while on routine operational task.

“The troops comprising one officer and ten soldiers were initially declared missing which prompted the deployment of a joint search and rescue team comprising NA troops and personnel of Operation Whirl Stroke.

“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.

“The NA 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 statement however assured that; “The NA 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.”