36 Benue indigenes rescued by troops during operation in Cross River

Soldiers of the Nigerian Army have rescued 36 Benue indigenes who had been detained in Imaje community, Yala LGA of Cross River State.

Based on a report by Zagazola Makama, a security website whose concentration is the Lake Chad Basin, the raid was conducted on Thursday by soldiers of the 130 Battalion (Rear) in collaboration with the 341 Artillery Regiment.

The sources revealed that the raiders were acting on the back of an intelligence report on the matter.

According to the sources, the victims claimed that they were attacked and detained by members of the community after retaliation for a livestock theft dispute.

The freed persons claimed that they became victims of their attack because an indigene of the Imaje community was allegedly attacked by youths from Benue on account of the stolen livestock.

Members of the community reportedly reacted to the act of aggression and attacked Benue indigenes staying there and detained them.

The army operation restored peace in the community before a further deterioration of the situation occurred, according to the sources.

There have been security agencies operating in the community to prevent a breakdown in the law and order, with investigations ongoing on the matter.