Two soldiers lost their lives yesterday during a fierce encounter with unknown gunmen suspected to be sea pirates at Abonnema in Degema Local Council of Rivers State.
Sea Pirates PHOTO: freedomonline.com.ng
Two soldiers lost their lives yesterday during a fierce encounter with unknown gunmen suspected to be sea pirates at Abonnema in Degema Local Council of Rivers State.
It was gathered that the troops were on patrol around the area when the gunmen attacked.
The Guardian learnt that the soldiers displayed gallantry but unfortunately, two of them who sustained various degree of injury during the encounter lost their lives.
Confirming the incident, the Army Public Relations Officer, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army Port Harcourt, Capt. Eli Lazarus in a text message said: “At about 11 a.m. Thursday, troops on patrol in Abonnema,Degema Local Council of Rivers State had a fierce encounter with a group of unknown gunmen .
“Though our men displayed extraordinary gallantry , unfortunately, an officer and a soldier who sustained injuries during the encounter, lost their lives.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has called for an independent international investigation into the killing of the two soldiers.
In an interview on Thursday evening in Port Harcourt, State Information Commissioner, Dr Austin Tam-George expressed shock at the killings, saying:
“The Government and people of Rivers State are saddened by the unfortunate killing of the officer and soldier. We call for an independent international investigation to ascertain those behind the killings as this might be a plot to pitch innocentRivers communities against the military.”
The army spokesman who said troops were on the trail of the gunmen and would certainly get them, urged the citizens to go about their lawful activities without fear.
He assured that the army would continue to make the necessary sacrifices to ensure sustainable peace and security of lives and properties .
