Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers, reportedly wearing military-style uniforms, have carried out coordinated attacks on two commercial vehicles along the Okene–Auchi Federal Highway, killing a serving Nigerian Army soldier and abducting 13 passengers.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred around 5:35 p.m. on December 16 when the attackers intercepted a green Toyota Sienna traveling from Abuja to Delta State with nine passengers on board.
During the assault, six passengers were forcibly taken away, while three others managed to escape and were later rescued by security operatives.
In a related attack moments later, the assailants stopped a white Toyota Hiace bus conveying 11 passengers from Delta State to Abuja along the same route. Seven occupants of the bus were abducted, while four were rescued, according to the sources.
Among the passengers was a Non-Commissioned Officer of the Nigerian Army who reportedly identified himself to the attackers. He was shot multiple times in the legs and thighs during the incident and later succumbed to his injuries. His remains have been deposited at the Okengwe General Hospital mortuary, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted.
Both affected vehicles were recovered from the scene and subsequently taken to a nearby police station for safekeeping. Security operatives also recovered five spent 7.62mm cartridge shells, believed to have been fired from an AK-47 rifle, during a sweep of the area.
Statements have been obtained from the rescued passengers to assist ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, security forces have launched joint rescue operations, including intensive bush combing and heightened surveillance along the highway, in a bid to rescue the abducted victims and track down the perpetrators.
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Authorities have reassured members of the public that additional security measures are being deployed to strengthen safety along the Okene–Auchi corridor and prevent further attacks on motorists.
