Benishiek Massacre: Soldiers Did Not Desert, They Just Went to Regroup

Brigadier General Mohammed Yusuf of the 21 Armoured Brigade, who briefed Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima during his on September 19, 2013, Thursday, said soldiers stationed in Benisheik ran out of ammunitions and this forced them to leave their places of duty during the incident.

“Our men did not desert Benisheik, they would be back latest by Friday [September 20] after full reinforcement,” Brig. Gen. Yusuf said.

Colonel Babalola, who reported to the Governor at the military base in Benisheik which was also bombed by the insurgents, confirmed that three policemen and two soldiers lost their lives during the encounter.

It would be mentioned that the overall death toll of the

One of the soldiers, who spoke to the Daily Trust reporters on the terms of anonymity, revealed that the alleged Boko Haram insurgents had superior power.

“The terrorists were using anti-aircraft guns while we were using AK47 rifles and some RPGs. They came in droves, driving about 20 pick-up trucks accompanied with two light-armored tankers, all wearing military colors. We had to retreat to our base to reinforce after running out of ammunition,” he said.

“However, they followed us down and surrounded our base and began to shell our building. We couldn’t stand the heat of their superior fire power. We had to retreat into the village after they killed two of our soldiers and three policemen.”

The soldier also narrated that after the siege, the insurgents were able to capture an armoured tank and four pick-up vehicles painted in military colours from the military base.

We shall keep you updated as more confirmations become available. 

Source: Legit.ng