Nigerian soldiers killed by militias

Nigerian troops face many internal challenges

By Dan Isaacs in Lagos

Sixteen Nigerian army soldiers have been killed by a militia gang in eastern Nigeria.

The troops had been sent to the area to quell violence between warring Tiv and Jukun ethnic groups.

The two communities have frequently clashed over the issue of land ownership in the area, but in recent weeks, the conflict has worsened dramatically.

The area of eastern Nigeria in which the incident occurred is very remote.

Rival communities

It is on the border between Benue and Taraba states, where there has been a long-running conflict between the two rival communities.

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The Tiv are seen as outsiders by the Jukun, who say the Tiv are taking over indigenous lands.

Tiv leaders say they have as much right to the land as any other group.

The soldiers who died had gone to the area to control the situation on Wednesday, but had instead fallen into the hands of a militia gang.

Their bodies were found on Friday.

A police spokesman confirmed to the BBC that they were discovered in the grounds of a primary school in an area within Benue state controlled by Tiv militia.

Clashes

There have been clashes in this border region for many months, and although reliable information about casualties is hard to come by, there has clearly been an escalation of the violence.

Nigerian soldiers are often brought in when trouble flares

Just a few weeks ago, a group of policemen was kidnapped by Jukun militia.

They were later released after intervention by the local authorities.

But after that incident, the state governors of Benue and Taraba met and agreed to do all they could to calm tempers on both sides.

Now, with the latest deaths, the situation has become extremely unpredictable, because when soldiers are killed by militia gangs like this, it is usually the signal for a severe crackdown by the security services.

Latest reports indicate that army reinforcements are on their way to the area.