Nigerian soldiers kill 4 heavily armed herdsmen in Benue state
According to a statement sent to NAIJ.com by the director army public relations, Brigadier-General Texas Chukwu, four of the militia herdsmen were neutralized during the encounter while others fled following superior gun power.
- Four militia herdsmen were killed by troops of 72 battalion in Benue state
- The Army encountered about 20 of the militia herdsmen while on patrol
- Four AK 47 rifles, five 7.62mm rounds of ammunition and 28 rounds of 7.62 police special ammunition were recovered
Troops of 72 Special Forces Battalion on Monday, April 16, on Operation MESA at Yogbo in Guma local government area of Benue state encountered about 20 militia herdsmen at Teguma village while on patrol.
According to a statement sent to NAIJ.com by the director army public relations, Brigadier-General Texas Chukwu, four of the militia herdsmen were neutralized during the encounter while others fled following superior gun power.
“Items recovered include four AK 47 rifles, five 7.62mm rounds of ammunition and 28 rounds of 7.62 police special ammunition. The Nigerian Army wishes to restate its commitment and determination to rid the country of criminals and enemies of state,” the statement read.
The crisis in Benue has left many displaced in various camps scattered around communities. Photo credit: Sodiq Adelakun
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Local sources told NAIJ.com on the phone that the armed herdsmen attacked the village in broad day light, burning down several houses.
Some of the villagers who spoke to our correspondent accused the Miyetti Allah of recruiting the armed herdsmen to attack their villages, calling on the federal government to address the situation.
“A closer look at them shows they are not Nigerians, they are foreigners recruited by the Miyetti Allah to attack us and chase us away from our ancestral lands. The government need to do something about it as we keep on losing our people everyday,” a source said.
On the same day, the Benue state police command said four of its officers were killed in an ambush and effort is on to find the perpetrators.
The police statement read: “The Benue state police command regret to report that its personnel came under attack of Insurgents at Anyibe, Logo LGA of the state between 1800hrs of yesterday, 15th April, 2018 and early morning of date. Sadly, at the moment, four (4) casualties have been suffered by the police.
“Additional reinforcement (including the air asset of the police) deployed by the Inspector General of Police is in pursuit of the murderous gang. They shall definitely be apprehended with their weapons of destruction and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
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Source: Naija.ng