Soldiers desert troubled Nasarawa State community over alleged pay

Troops deployed to check attacks in Kadarko town of Nasarawa have allegedly deserted the settlement in the early hours of yesterday citing non-payment of their allowances by the state government.

A community leader, who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian that the soldiers left because they complained that they were being owed.He said: “The soldiers left Kadarko this morning (yesterday) because they told us that the state government has not paid them their allowances and were equally hungry.”

When the leader and captain was contacted, he said after much hesitation: “Must soldiers stay in Kadarko for ever” before hanging up the call.However, 20 houses had been reportedly burnt by suspected herdsmen in Tamen village near Kadarko, in Keana council area.

According to an eyewitness, Tengu Moses, the assailants invaded the community at about 8:00a.m. yesterday morning and put the residences on fire before fleeing.

The eyewitness said one Mr. Alohor Joseph was missing after the invasion.Similarly, one Mr. Akaazu Nyorgun was attacked in a school, just as the attackers cut off his left hand and went away with it.

The 19-year-old years is reportedly receiving treatment at a primary health care in Kadarko.Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Kennedy Idrisu, said the command was yet to be briefed on the incident.