Troops rescues 36 Benue indigenes allegedly held against their will in Cross River

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 36 indigenes of Benue State who were allegedly held against their will in the Imaje Community following a reprisal reportedly linked to a livestock theft dispute.

The rescue was disclosed on Saturday by security analyst Zagazola Makama in a post shared on X.

According to Makama, the operation was carried out at about 3:30 p.m. on Thursday by troops of the 130 Battalion (Rear), in collaboration with the 341 Artillery Regiment, during a raid on the community.

The troops successfully rescued all 36 victims, who are Benue indigenes residing in Imaje Community.

According to the victims, the incident began after an indigene of Imaje Community was allegedly attacked by some youths in Benue State over the theft of livestock.

Makama said the victims told security operatives that, in retaliation, some members of the Imaje Community allegedly targeted Benue residents living in the area, attacking them and holding them against their will.

The military intervention was said to have restored calm to the community and prevented the situation from escalating further.