The Nigerian Army, NA, says that troops operating in Benue State has come under attack while on routine operational task.
The Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima said in a statement made available to newsmen that 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.
Brigadier General Yerima said that the search and rescue team unfortunately found all the missing troops dead in Konshisha LGA of Benue State.
He said 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.
Emphasizing that 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, Brigadier General Yerima said NA remains determined to ensure that this unprovoked attack does not disrupt the general peace being enjoyed by the local inhabitants.
He said that the COAS had 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.
Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima said that 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.
He appealed to the public to volunteer useful information that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act.
