Rivers: Four Soldiers Killed, Two Oil Workers Missing in Militants’ Attack

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Four soldiers have been reportedly killed in an attack by suspected militants in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

THISDAY gathered that the victims were on routine escort duty at Enweh West manifold in the area when the militants struck, leaving the numbers of the military personnel dead while two oil workers still missing as at press time.

In a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Danjuma Jonah, said the incident occurred at Emesu junction, along Amungboro-Emuphan road in Ahoada.

Danjuma informed that the suspects allegedly escaped through the Emesu waterside, using Orashi River.

“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 Orashi River. Troops are currently combing the general area to fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act. Efforts are ongoing to ensure that the unaccounted oil workers are found,” he said.

While condemning the attack, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, acknowledged the sacrifice paid by the soldiers.

He reassured that efforts were ongoing to track down the suspected criminals to pay for their crimes, as he urged members of the public to kindly to provide credible and actionable intelligence that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.

He further reassured the people that troops would not relent until all forms of criminalities, such as militancy, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism, are effectively eliminated within the Niger Delta the region.