The mutilated corpses of soldiers killed in last Friday’s attack by suspected bandits have been recovered in Niger State.
The soldiers were reported to have been killed when they engaged bandits in a duel in the Roro, Karaga, and Rumace communities, Bassa Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area of the State
A source, who is privy to the development and craves anonymity because of the matter’s sensitive nature told journalists that the soldiers comprising one Army Major, one Captain, and four rank and file were killed by suspected Boko Haram sect members, contrary to reports that they were killed by bandits.
According to the source, the soldiers had lost their way while on a mission to combat the bandits occupying the forest when they were ambushed and there was a shootout which resulted in casualties on the side of the soldiers and the bandits.
The soldiers’ corpses were said to be later found on Saturday in the bush without their uniforms on them and with bullet shots on their heads and other parts of their bodies.
“The military joint task force of Alawa and Erena along with some vigilante members in Shiroro local government had engaged the criminals in a gun duel at Lolo in Alawa axis of the area council leading to casualties from both sides,” the source said.
Niger State Commissioner of Homeland Security, a retired Brigadier General, Garba Mohammed, who confirmed the incident to the media, declined to mention the number of casualties.
He, however, said efforts were ongoing to fight the Boko Haram insurgents and other elements of insecurity in the state.
Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed Bago has described the killing as “atrocious, provocative, and unacceptable”.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Bologi Ibrahim, the governor, who assured that their deaths would not be in vain, said he would ensure that “all the needed support towards halting the nefarious activities of bandits would be provided”.
Mutilated Corpses Of Slain Soldiers Found In Niger
