Herdsmen kill 2 soldiers as Army arrests 7 suspects

Herdsmen killed two soldiers of the Nigerian Army when troops responded to a distress call in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.

The soldiers had been responding to reports of a clash between at Rafiki Village when they moved in to settle the dispute.

According to a statement signed by Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, on Thursday, March 15, the herdsmen shot at the soldiers and killed two of them.

Brig-Gen Chukwu also revealed that troops discovered 23 dead bodies at Mararaba Dare shortly before Rafiki Village while conducting a search.

Seven suspects have already been arrested in connection with the clash as one AK-47 assault rifle with 26 rounds of 7.62mm special and one locally made single barrel loaded with 15 rounds recovered by troops.

The statement read, "Troops of 3 Division Garrison Jos Plateau State arrested 7 suspects and recovered weapons in the clash between Miango community and herdsmen at Rafiki Village on Wednesday 14 March 2018.

"The troops responded to distress calls to the clash reported by locals. As troops moved in to settle the dispute, the herdsmen opened fire on troops convoy. 2 soldiers paid the supreme price. 7 suspects were arrested in connection with the clashes.

"While conducting search, troops discovered 23 dead bodies at Mararaba Dare shortly before Rafiki Village and many civilians were wounded. 2 other soldiers wounded are receiving medical attention at 3 Division Military Hospital and Medical Services. They are stable.

"Weapons recovered include one Ak 47 assault rifle with 26 rounds of 7.62mm special and One locally made single barrel loaded with 15 rounds. Troops have intensified patrol within the general area to forestall further break down of law and other."

Herdsmen attacks in Plateau

25 people were killed in an attack carried out by suspected herdsmen in Dundu village, Kwall District, also in Bassa LGA, on Monday, March 12.

Monday's attack followed another recent attack that left more than a dozen people dead. Ganda village of Daffo District in Bokkos LGA and Miango village in BassaLGAwere reportedly attacked by herdsmen in the early hours of Friday, March 9, leaving at least 11 people dead.

The communities were said to have been invaded by the killer herdsmen a few hours after the inauguration of Plateau State Peace Building Agency by President Muhammadu Buhari who had paid a visit to the state.