Nigeria to deploy troops in Benue to end communal killings

Lagos, March 20: The Nigerian Army will adjust deployment of troops as part of measures to end the killings in Agatu communities in central north Benue State, a top military officer said on Saturday.

Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, the West African country's chief of army staff disclosed this during his visit to a military tactical operational base, near Otukpo area of the state, Xinhua reported.

The military chief expressed confidence that the mayhem would be contained, noting that all logistics and other requirements have been provided for the operation.

Clashes between herdsmen and farmers in Agatu and environs had claimed many lives and displaced many families.

"The crisis here is unfortunate, the farmers and herdsmen fighting must not be condoned. I have heard from the commander about the existence of criminal elements who engage in cattle rustling," he said.

"We have observed the deployment of troops on ground, we are adjusting our troops deployment to take care of the flash points and likely areas where the criminals are hiding," he added.

Buratai said measures had been adopted to ensure that the clashes did not repeat and the people return to their settlements.

IANS