Bandits gun down 2 soldiers, 3 others in Benue

Five people, including two soldiers, were killed when armed bandits launched an attack in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State on Wednesday, according to local residents.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bodies of the slain soldiers were found at the scene shortly after they were shot by the assailants.

Joseph Har, Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Internal Security, confirmed the attack but stated that he was still gathering details on the incident.

The President General of Mdzough U Tiv World Wide and Chairman of the three main socio-cultural groups in Benue, CP Iorbee Ihagh, also confirmed to journalists in Makurdi that five people—two soldiers and three civilians—were killed in the attack on Jato-Aka.

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Efforts to reach spokespersons from the Nigerian Army in Benue for comments were unsuccessful, as those contacted claimed to have been transferred out of the state and could not verify the incident.

Meanwhile, in a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, the state government expressed condolences over the soldiers’ deaths.

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.”