Five persons, including two soldiers, have been killed by bandits in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
Residents said the incident occurred on Wednesday after bandits attacked the area, killing the soldiers and three civilians.
The residents said the bodies of the slain soldiers were seen lying on the ground soon after they were gunned down by the bandits.
Chief Joseph Har, the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Internal Security, confirmed the attack on communities in Kwande, adding however that he was yet to get details of the incident.
The President General Mdzough U Tiv World Wide, and Chairman of the three main socio-cultural organisations in Benue State, CP. Iorbee Ihagh, told journalists in Makurdi that five people including two soldiers and three natives were killed during the attack on Jato-Aka.
Spokespersons for the Nigerian Army formations in Benue contacted by our correspondent all claimed to have been transferred out of the state and could not ascertain if any incident happened.
Meanwhile, a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, issued shortly after the state’s executive meeting on Thursday mourned the fallen soldiers.
Kula stated, “In a solemn reflection, the deputy governor (Barr. Sam Ode) bemoaned the tragic loss of two gallant soldiers from the Nigerian Army, who were murdered by armed herders while on duty, protecting civilians in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area.”(Daily trust)
