Troops rescue 36 Benue indigenes allegedly held hostage in Cross River community

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 36 indigenes of Benue State who were allegedly held against their will in Imaje Community, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, following a reprisal linked to a livestock theft dispute.
The rescue was disclosed in a post shared on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama on Saturday.

According to the post, 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 living in Imaje Community.

“The rescued victims reportedly told security operatives that the incident began after an indigene of Imaje Community was allegedly attacked by some youths in Benue State over the theft of livestock,” Makama wrote.

“They claimed that in retaliation, some members of the Imaje Community targeted Benue residents living in the area, attacking them and holding them against their will.”

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