The remains of the 12 soldiers killed by bandits in Bonta village, Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State last week, were on Monday buried at the Military Cemetery, Wurukum in Makurdi, Benue State.
Eleven soldiers and one officer, Captain Adeolu Adebayo, were killed while on peace mission to the troubled Bonta village in Benue State on Easter Monday.
In his speech, the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, condoled with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and the Chief of Army Staff over the death of the 12 military personnel.
The governor promised to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of the act were brought to book.
“It is unfortunate that this incident took place. I want the Nigerian army, the families of the deceased and indeed all Nigerians to know that the attack on security personnel is an attack on all.
“This attack was unwarranted, it was not needed because all these patriotic soldiers were there to keep peace and that was why they were ambushed. Otherwise, we all know what soldiers can do and the capacity they have to defend themselves.”
Ortom also apologised to families of the slain soldiers in case he made uncomplimentary comments at the height of the crisis, saying his statements were based on information at his disposal then.
“As a leader, I needed to say something the people needed to hear, and as of that time that I made the comment that it was two soldiers that were missing; it was based on the information that was made available to me.
“But all the same, please I am sorry. It is the responsibility of this government to also join hands with the leadership of the army to see how we can support the bereaved families. May God rest their souls,” the governor said.
Among those present at the burial were the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj. Gen. Adeyemi Yekini, the Commanding Officer, 72 Battalion, military personnel as well as family members of the deceased soldiers.
