December 13, (THEWILL) – At least six persons, including four soldiers, were killed on Tuesday, when gunmen ambushed a military troop on escort duty along the Ahoada/Abua end of the East-West Road in Rivers State.
While details of the report are sketchy, the gunmen were said to have kidnapped two expatriates of an oil company.
A source in the area told newsmen that the troops on escort duty for an oil servicing company were on their way to Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, when they were ambushed by gunmen at about 9:30 am., killing four soldiers and two drivers in the convoy of the oil company.
Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Major Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday night.
The statement reads, “Troops of 5 Battalion on routine escort duty for an oil servicing company at Enweh West manifold, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, were attacked by suspected militants at Emesu junction, along Amungboro-Emuphan road.
“Unfortunately, four soldiers were killed in action, with two other oil workers unaccounted for.
“The suspects allegedly escaped through the Emesu waterside, using the Orashi River.
“Troops are currently combing the general area to fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act.
“Additionally, efforts are ongoing to ensure that the unaccounted oil workers are found.
“The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, while acknowledging the supreme sacrifice paid by the gallant soldiers, strongly condemned the unwarranted attack.
“He reassured that efforts are ongoing to track down these criminals to pay for their crimes.
“Consequently, members of the general public are kindly requested to provide credible and actionable intelligence that could lead to the arrest of these criminals.
“The public is also assured that the troops will not relent until all forms of criminalities, such as militancy, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism are effectively eliminated within the Niger Delta region.”
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