Tension in Benue as gunmen kill 8 soldiers

There is palpable tension and unease in Benue State following the ambush and brutal killing of soldiers deployed to the state.

1st News reports that the soldiers were deployed on a peace mission at Konshisha.

Sources in the local government area of Konshisha revealed that the soldiers were ambushed; leading to the death of about personnel. Further, sources claim that the perpetrators were suspected to be militia members.

The development has led to widespread panic and disquiet following the deployment of more troops to the area.

Equally important, the killing of the soldiers was confirmed by Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom. However, he revealed to newsmen that only two soldiers were missing in the Tuesday attack.

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“Reports reaching me indicate that troops on a peace mission at Konshisha were attacked by some people. But security forces were able to repel them. However, two soldiers are missing in the attack,” he disclosed.

Meanwhile, the soldiers were deployed in the Konshisha community to quell communal clashes over land dispute in the area.

Benue State has recently experienced a worrisome spate of increasing violence. Governor Ortom had faced an assassination attempt in March; with a Fulani group claiming responsibility for the attempt on his life. The group had also blamed a communication glitch for the failure to achieve their aim.

In addition, the state has also witnessed renewed clashes between farmers and herders; as well as a rise in banditry.

Meanwhile, kidnappers who abducted two Chinese miners in Osun State have made a N10m ransom demand.

This was disclosed by the Osun State Police Command on Wednesday.

Spokesperson of the Command, SP Yemisi Opalola, said this on Wednesday; while giving an update on the kidnapping incident to newsmen in Osogbo.