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, SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
Eyewitnesses stated that the bodies of the soldiers who were killed were discovered at the scene soon after being shot by the attackers.
Joseph Har, Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Internal Security, confirmed the attack and stated that he was still gathering details.
CP Iorbee Ihagh, President General of Mdzough U Tiv World Wide and Chairman of the three main socio-cultural groups in Benue, also confirmed to journalists in Makurdi that five people were killed in the attack on Jato-Aka, including two soldiers and three civilians.
Efforts to obtain comments from Nigerian Army spokespersons in Benue were unsuccessful, as those contacted claimed to have been transferred out of the state and were unable to verify the incident.
In the meantime, the state government expressed condolences over the soldiers’ deaths in a statement released by Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
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.”
