The Taraba State Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku has expressed shock over the killing of six soldiers of the 93 Battalion, Takum in an ambush by bandits during a military operation in Takum Local Government Area of the state.
He also expressed worry about the fate of the Commanding officer of the Battalion who was declared missing after the operation.
He said the attack on civilians and police officers in Takum which prompted the reaction of the soldiers from the 93 Battalion had proved that the bandits had become even more desperate than ever to kill and maim innocent people.
The governor commended the gallantry of the soldiers led by the commanding officer of the battalion for reacting promptly to the distress calls by the people of the areas under the seizure of the bandits but regretted that the operation resulted in the unfortunate death of six military officers and the uncertainty over the whereabouts of the commanding officer.
He commiserated with the military, and the immediate and extended families of the deceased military officers and urged Nigerians to also pray for the safe return of the Commanding Officer of the Battalion.
Governor Ishaku used the opportunity to renew his calls on the people of the state to be vigilant and to always monitor strangers coming into their communities.
He prayed to God to grant the souls of the deceased soldiers eternal rest.