Gunmen kill four soldiers, two drivers, abduct Koreans in Rivers

Gunmen have ambushed a convoy of an engineering company at Ahoada/Abua axis of the East-West road in Rivers State, killing four soldiers, two drivers and abducting two expatriates identified as Koreans.

The incident was said to have occurred at about 9.30am while the company was conveying its workers to a camp in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The incident was said to have caused panic and gridlock around the area.

A security source, who spoke in confidence, said the suspected kidnappers ambushed the convoy and opened fire on the occupants.

He said: “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.”

The Army confirmed the incident, described it as unwarranted and vowed that the perpetrators would be arrested and brought to book.

The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division, Army Public Relations Officer, Maj. Danjuma Danjuma, in a statement said it was carried out by suspected militants.

The statement said: “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 allegedly escaped through Emesu waterside, using Orashi River. Troops are 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.