The Minister of Defence, General Bashir Magashi (rtd) says the Nigerian Armed Forces are deeply saddened and disappointed by the killing of soldiers in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State, North Central Nigeria.
The Minister however said that the unfortunate incident would not discourage the military from carrying out its duty of protecting the lives of the people.
He stated this when he led the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and other top military officers to pay a courtesy visit on Governor Samuel Ortom at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.
The Minister of Defence who expressed President Muhammadu Buhari’s displeasure over the killing of soldiers, said ”barbarism and anything that tries to make Nigeria ungovernable would not be accepted.”
He stated that for the morale of the soldiers to be restored, perpetrators of the dastardly act must be apprehended and made to face the wrath of the law.
The Minister stressed that their mission in the state was to restore confidence in the troops.
Governor Samuel Ortom who expressed deep sympathies with the President and the Armed Forces over the killings said ”he lost sleep since the unfortunate incident occurred.”
He acknowledged the enormous support and contributions of security agencies especially the military in ensuring peace in the State.
Governor Ortom explained he had directed stakeholders from Konshisha Local Government Area to fish out the perpetrators.
He pledged his administration’s support and cooperation with security agencies to ensure those responsible for the dastardly act were apprehended and brought to justice.
The Governor prayed for restoration of peace and security in all parts of the country.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
