TheCable

Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, says he has not been able to sleep since 11 soldiers were killed in his state.

The soldiers were killed in Bonta village, Konshisha LGA of Benue.

The governor on Wednesday condoled with the president and the armed forces over the incident.

He spoke during a visit of Bashir Magashi, minister of defence, and the service chiefs to the Benue Peoples House in Makurdi.

“I have not slept since the killing of the soldiers,” the governor said.

Ortom acknowledged the support and contributions of security agencies, especially the military, in ensuring peace in the state.

The governor said he had directed stakeholders in Konshisha to fish out the perpetrators.

He pledged his administration’s support and cooperation with security agencies to ensure those responsible were apprehended and brought to justice.

On his part, the minister of defence said President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian military are saddened over the killings.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces is deeply saddened following the killing of 11 soldiers and a Captain in Konshisha LGA of Benue,” he said.

“This will not discourage the Army from carrying out its duties of protecting lives and property in the country.

“To boost the morale of the soldiers, perpetrators of the dastardly act must be apprehended and made to face the wrath of the law.”