Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 36 indigenes of Benue State who were held captive in Imaje community, Yala LGA of Cross River State.
According to Zagazola Makama, a security publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the rescue operation was carried out on Thursday by troops of the 130 Battalion (Rear) alongside the 341 Artillery Regiment.
Sources said the victims were freed during a raid on the community following intelligence reports about the incident.
The rescued individuals alleged that they were attacked and detained by members of the community in a reprisal linked to a livestock theft dispute.
They claimed the incident began after an indigene of Imaje community was allegedly assaulted by youths in Benue over stolen livestock.
According to the victims, members of the community retaliated by attacking Benue residents living in the area and holding them captive.
The military intervention restored calm in the community and prevented the crisis from escalating further, sources said.
Security agencies have continued to maintain a presence in the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order, while investigations into the incident remain ongoing.