Gunmen attacked a convoy of Daewoo workers in Rivers State, killing four Nigerian soldiers, and two drivers, subsequently abducting two South Koreans.
The incident happened around 9.30 a.m., on Tuesday when it was discovered that criminal activities that had been dormant in the area had suddenly resurfaced.
The convoy was on its way to Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State when it was ambushed by gunmen.
According to a source who requested anonymity, the gunmen followed the expatriate workers who were being escorted by troops along the Ahoada-Abua Road and opened fire on them.
The source stated, “During the attack, the assailants opened fire on the convoy, killing four soldiers and two civilian drivers and kidnapping two Koreans in the process.
“The details are sketchy, but efforts are ongoing to get more details from the units. Further details will be forwarded as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, a community source claimed that the gunmen attack was retaliation for recent military operations in the area two weeks ago, during which arms and ammunition were seized.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the state police command’s spokesperson, said she was unaware of the incident when contacted.
The Nigerian Army’s 6th Division confirmed the attack and the deaths of the soldiers.
Major Jonah Danjuma, acting Deputy Director, of 6 Division Army Public Relations, said in a statement on Tuesday evening that the troops were from the 5 Battalion.
The statement reads, “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 the unwarranted attack.
“He reassured me that efforts are ongoing to track down these criminals and pay for their crimes.
“Consequently, members of the general public are kindly requested to provide credible and actionable intelligence that could lead to the arrest of these criminals.
“The public is also assured that the troops will not relent until all forms of criminality, such as militancy, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism, are effectively eliminated within the Niger Delta region.”
