Soldiers kill four militiamen, arrest 18 herdsmen in Benue

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 18 herdsmen in the Kwata Sule, Mbayer, Yandev and Kaambee areas of Benue State, who were caught grazing their cows on farmlands, an act which is against the state’s anti-open grazing law.

Our correspondent learnt that the troops attached to the 707 Special Forces Brigade, Makurdi, while on patrol on Saturday in the area, nabbed six herdsmen in Kwata Sule, while 12 others were arrested in Mbayer, Yandev and Kaambee areas for “destructive activities.”

The herdsmen were reportedly handed over to the police for prosecution.

According to the army, the troops, also in Chembe, Tse-Gundu, Tse-Iordye and Sbaor areas of the state, recovered two motorcycles, and 7.62mm special ammunition from two fleeing herdsmen.

Meanwhile, in Bauchi State, troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, in the ongoing Operation Lafiya Dole on Saturday also encountered some members of a militia group at the Burra Junction in the Ningi Local Government Area of the state.

The militiamen reportedly opened fire on the troops and at the end of the gun battle, four militiamen were killed, while the troops recovered five dane guns, 38 motorcycles and nine bicycles.

Also, nine militiamen were arrested, while a soldier, who sustained gunshot injuries, had been evacuated to a hospital and receiving treatment.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Texas Chukwu, who confirmed the arrest of the herdsmen, said the troops were in pursuit of the fleeing herdsmen and militiamen.

Chukwu said, “Troops have arrested six herdsmen in Kwata Sule, caught in the act of farmland destruction. Also, the troops apprehended 12 herdsmen in Mbayer and Yandev areas during the Presidential Assessment Team’s visit to the area. Two motorcycles were recovered from the herdsmen.

“After the initial interrogation, the suspects were handed over to the police for further action.

“Similarly, troops on patrol in the general areas of Chembe, Tse-Gundu, Tse-Iordye and Sbaor settlements sighted two herdsmen. They abandoned their motorcycle and fled. During the search of the general area, one round of 7.62mm special was discovered. We will continue to dominate the general area with patrols.”