The Nigerian Army, 6 Division, said four of its personnel on routine escort duty for an oil servicing company in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State were killed by unknown gunmen while on duty, as two oil workers’ whereabouts are yet unknown.
The Army in a statement on Tuesday evening signed by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Major Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, revealed that the slain soldiers were attacked at Emesu junction, along Aminigboko – Emughan road in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of the state.
According to Danjuma, the assailants following the unfortunate incident, allegedly escaped through the Emesu waterside, using the Orashi River, adding that troops of the Division were currently combing the area to fish out the perpetrators, as well as ensure that the missing oil workers were found.
Danjuma 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 Aminigboko -Emughan road. Unfortunately, 4 soldiers were killed in action, with 2 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. Additionally, efforts are ongoing to ensure that the unaccounted oil workers are found.”
Major Danjuma, further stated that the General Office Commanding 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam had condemned the unfortunate incident, adding that the 6 Division GOC has assured that the suspects would be tracked down and arrested accordingly.
He assured that the 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.
“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.
“He reassured that efforts are ongoing to track down these criminals to 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 troops will not relent until all forms of criminalities, such as militancy, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism, are effectively eliminated within the Niger Delta the region.”
