He said the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle and neutralised two suspected terrorists.
She said the suspects were arrested on the night of June 27 during a coordinated operation in Otukpo Local Government Area.
“We condemn this killing in the strongest terms, just as we condemn every unnecessary loss of life. It is unacceptable, especially now that Benue has been enjoying relative calm,” he said.
The suspects were arrested on June 26, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m.
She said that no formal collaboration agreement had yet been concluded between the two parties.
He emphasised that the safety of lives and property remained the highest priority of his administration.
He said the successful operation followed credible intelligence.
Mr Alia expressed shock and sadness over the killings.
The police in the state had arraigned 24 suspects in connection with the murder.
The command spokesperson said the victims were kidnapped from their farms.
