Troops rescue 36 Benue indigenes after Cross River reprisal attack

Troops of the Nigerian army have rescued 36 Benue state indigenes who were allegedly held captive in Imaje community, Yala local government area of Cross River state, following a reprisal linked to a livestock theft dispute.

The rescue operation was reportedly carried out on Thursday at about 3:30 p.m. by personnel of the 130 Battalion (Rear), working alongside troops of the 341 Artillery Regiment during a security raid on the community.

According to Zagazola Makama, a security analyst who disclosed the development on Saturday, all 36 victims were Benue natives residing in Imaje Community and were successfully freed during the operation.

The rescued residents told security operatives that the crisis began after an indigene of Imaje Community was allegedly attacked by some youths in Benue State over the theft of livestock.

“They claimed that in retaliation, some members of the Imaje community targeted Benue residents living in the area, attacking them and holding them against their will,” Makama stated.

Military intervention restored normalcy to the area and prevented the dispute from escalating into a wider communal conflict.