Gunmen disguised in military uniforms have killed a serving soldier and abducted 13 passengers during coordinated attacks on two commercial vehicles along the Okene–Auchi highway.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-terrorism
publication, the incident occurred at about 5:35 pm on Tuesday when gunmen
intercepted a green Toyota Sienna, conveying nine passengers from Abuja to
Delta state.
The publication reported that six passengers were abducted
from the vehicle, while three others were rescued.
Zagazola Makama added that the attackers also stopped a
white Toyota Hiace bus, conveying 11 passengers from Delta to Abuja, during the
same operation.
“Seven passengers were abducted from the Hiace bus, while
four were rescued,” Makama reported.
The publication noted that a serving non-commissioned
officer of the Nigerian Army, who was among the passengers and had identified
himself as a soldier, was shot by the attackers.
“He sustained gunshot injuries to his legs and thighs and
was later confirmed dead,” Makama reported.
Both vehicles were recovered and towed to a police station
for safekeeping, while five empty shells of 7.62mm ammunition suspected to be
from an AK-47 rifle, were recovered at the scene as exhibits.
The corpse of the deceased soldier was deposited at the
Okengwe general hospital mortuary for autopsy, while statements were obtained
from the rescued victims to aid investigation.
Meanwhile troops have launched joint rescue operations,
including bush combing and intensive surveillance along the highway, in order
to rescue the abducted passengers and arrest the perpetrators.
The publication said that authorities assured motorists that
measures were being intensified to secure the Okene–Auchi corridor and prevent
further attacks.
Moses Yamu, the public relations officer of the Edo state
police command, did not respond to calls and messages as of press time.
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