Gunmen Attack Convoy In Rivers, Kill 4 Soldiers, Kidnap others

On Monday, December 12, a convoy carrying Daewoo employees was attacked by an unknown group of gunmen along the Ahoada/Abua section of the East-West Road in Rivers State. Two of the workers were abducted, while four of the soldiers who were accompanying the foreigner were killed in the attack.

The attack happened early on Monday morning at Emesu Junction along Amungboro-Emuphan Road, according to a statement made by Maj. Danjuma Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt.

The statement went on to confirm that two oil workers are still missing and that four soldiers were killed in action. After the attack, the suspected militants reportedly fled via the Orashi River and the Emesu waterside.

 “Suspected militants attacked troops of 5 Battalion on routine escort duty for an oil servicing company at Enweh West Manifold in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers.

“The convoy was attacked at Emesu Junction, along Amungboro-Emuphan Road in the local government area.

“Unfortunately, four soldiers were killed in action while two other oil workers are unaccounted for,” he said.

The attack was denounced and the offenders would be held accountable, according to Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation Delta Safe. While assuring the public that his forces were diligently looking for the missing workers and the attackers, he also appreciated the sacrifice made by the deceased soldiers.

 “Troops are currently combing the general area to fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act while efforts are ongoing to ensure the unaccounted oil workers are found.

“Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation Delta Safe, has condemned this unwarranted attack.

“The GOC, while acknowledging the supreme sacrifice paid by the gallant soldiers, has reassured that the criminals would be tracked down to pay for their crimes,” the statement read.

The public is being urged by the army to submit any reliable information that could help in the suspects’ capture.

NAN