Gunmen kill four soldiers, two drivers, abduct oil workers in Rivers

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Tuesday morning reportedly ambushed a convoy of Daewoo workers along the Ahoada/Abua exis along the East-West Road in Rivers State, shooting dead four soldiers and two drivers.

The gunmen also kidnapped two expatriate Korean workers in the entourage.

THE WITNESS gathered that the incident, which occurred at about 9: 30 am, caused pandemonium along the East-West Road.

A security source, who confirmed the development, said the suspected kidnappers ambushed a team of expatriates being escorted by troops of the 5 Battalion of the Nigerian Army along road Ahoada-Obua Road in Rivers State.

According to him, “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.”

In a statement, the 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, confirmed the killing of its four personnel, noting that the act was carried out by suspected militants.

The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division, Army Public Relations, Major Jonah Danjuma, in a statement in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday evening, stated that the militants killed four of its men, and two drivers and abducted two foreigners.

Danjuma disclosed that the military had commenced efforts to track down the culprits, noting that efforts were also on to secure unconditional freedom for the two abducted workers.

He said: “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 this unwarranted attack.”