Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 36 Benue indigenes, who were held in Imaje community, Yala LGA of Cross River state.

According to Zagazola Makama, a security publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the operation was carried out on Thursday by troops of the 130 Battalion (Rear) in conjunction with the 341 Artillery Regiment.

The sources said the victims were rescued during a raid on the community following intelligence reports on the incident.

According to the sources, the victims alleged that they were attacked and detained by members of the community following a reprisal linked to a livestock theft dispute.

The rescued persons said the incident was triggered after an indigene of Imaje community was allegedly assaulted by youths in Benue over the theft of livestock.

They alleged that members of the community retaliated by attacking Benue indigenes residing in the area and holding them captive.

The military intervention restored normalcy to the community and prevented further escalation of the crisis, the sources said.

Security agencies have maintained a presence in the area to forestall a breakdown of law and order, with investigations into the incident ongoing.