In a tragic incident, gunmen ambushed a Daewoo convoy along the Ahoada/Abua East-West axis in Rivers State, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers and two civilian drivers. The attackers reportedly targeted the convoy around 9:30 am while it was en route to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital. Two expatriates from the company were kidnapped during the ambush.
Sources indicate that the assailants trailed the expatriate workers, who were accompanied by soldiers, along the Ahoada–Obua Road. They opened fire on the convoy, leaving casualties in their wake. The abducted expatriates are reported to be Korean nationals. While details remain sketchy, efforts are underway to gather more information from the units involved.
A community source suggests that the attack might be a reprisal following a recent military operation in the area, resulting in the seizure of arms and ammunition. The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, claimed not to be aware of the incident when contacted.
The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division confirmed the attack, stating that the troops affected belonged to the 5 Battalion. The troops were on routine escort duty for an oil servicing company at Enweh West Manifold, Ahoada East Local Government Area. Major Jonah Danjuma, the acting Deputy Director 6, Division Army Public Relations, revealed that the suspects escaped through the Emesu waterside, using the Orashi River. The army is actively conducting operations to apprehend the perpetrators and locate the missing oil workers. Major General Jamal Abdussalam condemned the attack, assuring the public that efforts are ongoing to eliminate criminal activities in the Niger Delta region.
The public is urged to provide credible intelligence to aid in the arrest of the criminals involved in this dastardly act. The army pledges to continue its efforts until all forms of criminality, including militancy, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism, are eradicated from the Niger Delta region.
