Rivers State: Gunmen Ambush Convoy, Kill Four Soldiers, Two Drivers, and Kidnap Expatriates
Gunmen attacked a convoy of Daewoo workers along the Ahoada/Abua stretch of the East-West Road in Rivers State on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic death of four soldiers and two drivers. Additionally, two expatriates of the company were reportedly kidnapped during the incident.The ambush, which occurred around 9:30 am, marked a resurgence of criminal activities in an area that had experienced a temporary lull.
The targeted convoy was en route to Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, when the assailants struck.According to an anonymous source, the gunmen trailed the expatriate workers, who were escorted by troops along the Ahoada–Abua Road, and opened fire on them.
The attackers successfully killed four soldiers and two civilian drivers, while also kidnapping two Koreans employed by the company.Details surrounding the incident remain sketchy, but efforts are underway to gather more information from the units involved.
Further updates will be provided as they become available.A community source suggested that the attack might be a reprisal for recent military operations in the area, where arms and ammunition were seized about two weeks ago.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, claimed to be unaware of the incident when contacted.The 6 Division, Nigeria Army, confirmed the attack and the loss of soldiers. Major Jonah Danjuma, the acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, stated in a Tuesday evening release that the troops involved were from the 5 Battalion.
According to the statement, the troops were on a routine escort duty for an oil servicing company at Enweh West Manifold, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State. The attackers, suspected militants, struck at Emesu junction along the Amungboro-Emuphan road. Four soldiers were killed in action, and two other oil workers are currently unaccounted for.
The suspects reportedly escaped through the Emesu waterside, utilizing the Orashi River.
Ongoing efforts involve combing the general area to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous act. Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE, condemned the attack, assuring the public that relentless efforts are being made to eliminate criminal activities in the Niger Delta region.
The public is urged to provide credible and actionable intelligence that could lead to the arrest of the criminals involved, with an assurance that the troops will persist until all forms of criminality in the region are effectively eradicated, including militancy, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism.Credit : Punch News