From CHRIS GAGA, Makurdi
The Nigerian Army on Tuesday, launched Exercise ‘Cat Race'(Ayem Akpatuma) in Benue State, an operation to crush perpetrators of the Benue genocidal attacks
The Army also as part of the exercise flagged off a medical outreach to take care of the health needs of the IDPs at the various camps.
The exercise Ayem Akpatuma, which was launched in Nzoruv,Guma Local Government, one of the most attacked LGAs of Benue State, had in attendance the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai, Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue, Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and Tanko Al-Makura (Nassarawa) states, as well as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator George Akume and many other top Army functionaries .
Flagging off the exercise, Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai promised strict adherence to the terms of engagement, noting that the Exercise ‘Cat Race’ was not targeted at any group but mainly to crush criminal elements that have been terrorizing Benue.
General Buratai who sued for support from the Benue people, assured that the Military will be at their very best to ensuring that normalcy returns to the attacks prone areas.
Speaking, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for heeding to the cries of the Benue citizens.
Governor Ortom while expressing confidence in the capability of the Army to end the crisis, assured of the cooperation of his people in guaranteeing useful information for efficient operation of the Buratai troops.