Godsent Ogbebor
Bandit: Soldier Killed, 13 Abducted in Okene-Auchi Road Attack
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed a soldier and abducted 13 passengers during attacks on two commercial vehicles along the Okene-Auchi highway in Edo State.
The incident occurred at about 5:35 p.m. on Tuesday when the attackers, dressed in military uniforms, blocked the highway and stopped a green Toyota Sienna travelling from Abuja to Delta State. Nine passengers were on board the vehicle, six of whom were taken away, while three were rescued.
Moments later, the gunmen intercepted a white Toyota Hiace bus heading from Delta to Abuja with 11 passengers. Seven passengers were abducted from the bus, while four escaped.
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A serving non-commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army, who was among the passengers and identified himself as a soldier, was shot during the attack. He sustained gunshot wounds to his legs and thighs and was later confirmed dead.
Both vehicles were recovered and moved to a police station, while five empty 7.62mm shells, believed to have been fired from an AK-47 rifle, were found at the scene. The body of the slain soldier has been deposited at the Okengwe General Hospital mortuary, and statements have been taken from the rescued passengers.
Security forces have launched joint operations, including bush combing and increased surveillance along the highway, in a bid to rescue the abducted victims and track down the attackers. Authorities said efforts were being intensified to secure the Okene-Auchi corridor and prevent further attacks.
The Edo State Police Command had yet to comment on the incident as calls and messages to its spokesperson were not returned at the time of filing this report.
