#NigeriaDecides2019: Army officer, six others killed in Rivers violence

A lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed in election violence in Rivers State, the army announced on Saturday evening.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how at least four other people were earlier killed in violence in the state.

The latest killings were contained in a statement by Sagir Musa, a colonel and current army spokesperson.

Mr Musa said the seven people including the lieutenant were killed when some people attacked soldiers on patrol.

Read Mr Musa’s full statement below.

Political Thuggery: Army Kills 6 Assailants, Loses Officer in Rivers State

Information reaching Headquarters Nigerian Army (NA) revealed that troops of 6 Division on a legitimate duty of protecting lives and properties of law abiding citizens and ensuring a conducive environment for peaceful conduct of 2019 General Elections in Abonnema, Akuku Toru Local Government Area (LGA) Rivers State were attacked by some hoodlums.

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.

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 NA strongly hereby state that perpetrators of this ambush will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

You are requested to disseminate this information to the public please.