28 Soldiers Killed In Fresh Attacks

 

Accordig to Mr Colonel Timothy Lagbaja a top millitary officer said, at least 28 officers and soldiers have been killed in the ongoing farmers and Fulani herdsmen clashes in Benue State and the fight against insurgency in north-east Nigeria’.

Speaking to newsmen, the Commanding Officer, 72 Airborne Battalion, Makurdi, said that 12 officers and soldiers were killed in the incessant farmers and Fulani herdsmen clashes in the state since 2012 to date while 16 others lost their lives in the war against Boko Haram insurgents.

Lagbaja hinted that there are plans by the command to immortalise the fallen soldiers given their track record and service to their fatherland.

He added that there several other soldiers had been injured in special-forces operations in Maiduguri and were presently receiving the best available medical attention.

Colonel Lagbaja said that the Command had deployed over 500 soldiers to different parts of Benue State to tackle the farmers and herdsmen crisis.

According to him, the deployment had helped controlling the tide, with various calibre of illegal arms and ammunition recovered from criminal gangs operating in the state.

“We have gone a long way in combating the crisis. Clashes are isolated and far in-between. We have also recovered lots of arms and ammunitions from criminal gangs in the State,” he stated.

The Commanding Officer further said that in line with its community service posture, the Command organised a medical outreach program in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area, during which medical experts from the United States rendered free medical service to the people.

Colonel Lagbaja called for a synergy and partnership with the media in the area of information management and dissemination.