The remains of the twelve soldiers killed by local bandits at Bonta Village in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State last week were on Monday committed to mother earth at the Military Cemetery, Wurukum in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
Eleven soldiers and one officer, Captain Adeolu Adebayo were killed while on a peace mission to the troubled Bonta Village in Benue State on Easter Monday.
In his oration, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom condoled with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and the Chief of Army Staff over the death of twelve military personnel.
Ortom also apologised to the families of the slain soldiers.
The governor vowed that his government would collaborate with security agencies to ensure that all the perpetrators of the act were apprehended and brought to book.
The governor regretted the soldiers had to die in the hands of the militias while trying to maintain peace in the troubled areas in the state.
“I condole Mr. President who is the Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces, the Chief of Army Staff and indeed the leadership of our security forces in the country.
“On behalf of government and people of Benue State, we condemn the killing of our innocent soldiers who were out there to keep peace in our state.
“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.