The remains of the 12 soldiers killed by bandits in Bonta village, Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State last week, were buried on Monday at the Military Cemetery, Wurukum in Makurdi, the state capital.
The soldiers were ambushed last on Easter Monday while on a routine operational task to Bonta village in Benue state.
Speaking at their funeral, the Benue state governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, expressed condolences to President, Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Army Staff over the death of the 11 soldiers and an officer.
Ortom promised to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of the act were fished out and brought to just.
The governor described the incident as unfortunate, assuring the Nigerian army, the families of the deceased and all Nigerians 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 said.
“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.
The burial was attend by family members of the deceased soldiers, Commanding Officer, 72 Battalion, Makurdi and the Commander of Operation Battalion as well as military personnel.
