TheCable

Samuel Ortom, Benue governor, has asked residents of Konshisha LGA of the state to expose those who killed soldiers and return military weapons carted away by bandits.

At least 11 soldiers were reportedly killed by gunmen after troops came under attack while on a routine operational task in the LGA on Thursday.

The soldiers were said to have been found dead after a search mission was conducted.

In a statement on Friday, the governor called for restraint from all sides including the military.

“Following the crisis between communities in Konshisha and Oju local government areas resulting in the current military operation in some communities, I, on behalf of Benue state government, call for restraint on all sides including the military,” he said.

“I have already directed leaders of the affected areas to ensure that the weapons the bandits took away from the military personnel deployed to bring peace between the warring communities are returned without delay.

“I further urge members of those communities to expose perpetrators of the unprovoked attacks on the military as such an act is condemnable and also capable of jeopardizing the efforts the government has made to guarantee the return of peace to the area.

“I however urge the military to avoid civilian casualties and protect law-abiding people while efforts are on to recover their missing weapons.”