The increase in communal crises and killings in Benue State, Nigeria, led the Nigerian Military to swing into action. Criminal hideouts were attacking and raided. 12 bandits were killed and arms recovered in the process.
Media report the criminals attacked the military troops around Bonta village and adjourning communities in Konshisha Local Government Area of the state.
The troops had been on a peacekeeping mission between warring communities of Bonta in Konshisha Local Government Area and Ukpute-Ainu in Oju Local Government Area.
These communities have witnessed their fair share of communal clash in past months over a land tussle, a development which made the government draft military troops to patrol the area.
The troops were ambushed and attacked by suspected ‘Bonta Boys’ who have been accused of abducting soldiers who destroyed their illegal roadblocks.
Following the attack, the military stormed the village with helicopters and with the support of land troops destroyed structures and hideouts suspected to be housing armed bandits in the area.