Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army on Saturday killed six assailants while on election duty in Abonnema, Akuku Toru Local Government of Rivers State.
According to a statement by Army spokesperson, Col. Musa Sagir, the troops were attacked by some hoodlums who barricaded a major road on election day.
”The pre-planned attack occurred in between Charles and Bob-Manuel’s compounds in Abonnema Town at about 1:00pm on the 23rd February 2019.
“The attackers barricaded a major road into the town and laid an ambush in the adjoining built-up areas from where they opened fire on our unsuspecting troops when they attempted to remove the barricade.
“The gallant troops fought their way through the siege and in the process killed six of the assailants. However, we lost a lieutenant in the encounter, Sagir said.
Army said preliminary investigation indicated that one Roland Sekibo, – the Chairman Akuku Toru LGA, Omodo – the CSO Akuku Toru LGA and Kenneth of Kula currently at large were the masterminds of the unexpected/ unprovoked attack.
“To this end, the Nigerian Army strongly hereby state that perpetrators of this ambush will be made to face the full wrath of the law, Sagir assured.