Soldiers killed, expatriates abducted as gunmen attack engineering company convoy in Rivers

Gunmen ambushed a convoy of an engineering company at the Ahoada/Abua axis of the East-West road in Rivers State, resulting in the tragic death of four soldiers, two drivers, and the abduction of two Korean expatriates. The incident occurred around 9:30 am as the company was transporting workers to a camp in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, causing panic and gridlock in the vicinity.

According to a confidential security source, the attackers, suspected to be kidnappers, ambushed the convoy and unleashed gunfire on the occupants. The assailants killed four soldiers, two civilian drivers, and kidnapped two Koreans during the assault.

The source stated, “During the attack, the assailants opened fire on the convoy, killing four soldiers and two civilian drivers and subsequently abducted two Koreans in the process. Details are still sketchy, but efforts are ongoing to get more details from the units. Further details will be forwarded as soon as possible.”

Confirming the incident, the Army labeled it as unwarranted and pledged to apprehend the perpetrators. Maj. Danjuma Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division, Army Public Relations Officer, released a statement describing the attack as carried out by suspected militants.

The statement revealed, “Troops of 5 Battalion on routine escort duty for an oil servicing company at Enweh West manifold, Ahoada East Local Government 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 reportedly escaped through Emesu waterside, utilizing the Orashi River. Military forces are actively searching the area to apprehend the culprits and ensure the safety of the missing oil workers.

Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, strongly condemned the attack and assured the public that efforts are underway to track down the criminals. He urged the public to provide credible intelligence to aid the arrest of the perpetrators and reiterated the military’s commitment to eliminating criminal activities in the Niger Delta region, including militancy, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism.