Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Army, Six Division Port Harcourt says unknown gunmen have abducted two oil workers, killing four soldiers while on routine escort duty for an oil servicing firm at Enweh West manifold, in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Acting Deputy Director, Six Division Army Public Relations, Major Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, in a statement said the suspects escaped through the Emesu waterside, using Orashi River.
Danjuma who did not disclose the name of the oil firm, said efforts were ongoing to ensure that the abducted oil workers were found, as troops were currently combing the area to fish out the perpetrators.
“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 statement quoted the General Officer Commanding, Six Division, Nigerian Army, Major Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, acknowledging the supreme sacrifice paid by the gallant soldiers, and condemning the unwarranted attack.
Abdussalam in the statement assured that efforts were ongoing to track down the 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,” the Nigerian Army said.
