Nigerian Army troops have successfully rescued 36 indigenes of Benue State who were allegedly held against their will in Imaaje Community, Cross River State, following a violent reprisal linked to a livestock theft dispute.
The operation was conducted on Thursday by troops of the 130 Battalion (Rear), in collaboration with the 341 Artillery Regiment, during a raid on the community. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who first shared details of the rescue, all 36 victims were safely freed and the situation has been stabilized.
Reports indicate the incident began after an indigene of Imaaje Community was allegedly attacked by some youths in Benue State over the theft of livestock. In retaliation, members of the Imaaje Community reportedly targeted Benue residents living in the area, attacking them and holding them hostage.
The military intervention has been credited with restoring calm and preventing further escalation of violence in the border area between Benue and Cross River states. The rescued victims, all described as Benue indigenes residing in Imaaje Community, provided accounts of the events to security operatives.
This rescue operation comes at a time of heightened communal tensions in parts of the region, where disputes over resources and livestock frequently lead to reprisal attacks. Local residents have welcomed the swift military response, which helped de-escalate what could have become a larger conflict.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the area to ensure lasting peace and bring perpetrators to justice. Further investigations into the initial livestock theft and subsequent attacks are ongoing.
