The Nigerian army, on Monday, buried the 12 soldiers killed by armed bandits at Bonta community in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue state recently.
The troops came under attack while on a routine operational task to the area.
The soldiers, who were declared missing, were later found dead after a search mission was conducted.
The burial, which was held at the military cemetery in Wurukum, Makurdi, had families of the slain soldiers in attendance.
L.G. Lepbung, commander of 4 special forces in Doma, and Adeyemi Yekini, commander of operation Whirl Stroke where the soldiers were deployed, attended the event, alongside other senior officers.
Prayers were led by Ibrahim Mavisky and Aliyu Bashir, chaplain and imam of the 401 special forces brigade.
The ceremony was also marked by a 21-gun salute in honour of the deceased soldiers.
Speaking Monday at the funeral, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state apologised to the bereaved families of the 12 soldiers.
He also condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Chief of Army Staff and the leadership of the armed forces in the country over the murder of the military personnel in the state.
The Governor, who condemned the murder and described it as unfortunate promised to collaborate with the military to apprehend the masterminds of the dastardly act.
“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.
“So we condemn this and we want to assure everyone that my government will join hands with the security forces to ensure that all those who perpetrated this sad act are brought to book.”
