- Says Killers Must be Apprehended to Restore Morale in Soldiers
By Amos Aar
MINISTER of Defence, General Bashir Salihu Magashi (rtd), said the Nigerian Armed Forces are deeply saddened and disappointed by the killing of soldiers in Konshisha LGA of Benue State, but stressed that the unfortunate incident will not discourage the military from carrying out its duty of protecting lives of the people.
The Minister stated this on Thursday when he led top military brass, which included the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff among other senior military officers to pay a courtesy visit on Governor Samuel Ortom at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.
Gen. Magashi, who expressed President Muhammadu Buhari’s displeasure over the killing of the soldiers, also said barbarism and anything that tries to make Nigeria ungovernable would not be accepted.
He stated that for the morale of the soldiers to be restored, perpetrators of the dastardly act must be apprehended and made to face the wrath of the law, pointing out that they were also in the state to restore confidence in the troops.
Governor Ortom, who expressed deep sympathies with the President and the Armed Forces over the barbaric act, said he lost sleep since the unfortunate incident occurred.
He acknowledged the enormous support and contributions of security agencies especially the military in ensuring peace in the state, while also stating that he had directed stakeholders from Konshisha LGA to fish out the perpetrators.
While pledging his administration’s support and cooperation with security agencies to ensure that the culprits were apprehended and brought to justice, Ortom prayed for the restoration of peace and security in all parts of the country.
