The Nigerian Army has announced the loss of 11 personnel comprising one officer and ten soldiers among troops operating in Benue State.
According to Army Spokesman Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima the men came under attack while on routine operational task.
He said the troops were initially declared missing which prompted the deployment of a joint search and rescue team comprising Nigerian Army troops and personnel of Operation Whirl Stroke.
Yerma said 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 Army spokesman said the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff 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 NA remains determined to ensure that this unprovoked attack does not disrupt the general peace being enjoyed by the local inhabitants.
He said 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.
