Rivers State Boils after Political Thugs kill Army Major, Others

An army officer identified as Major Luke and a soldier were shot dead on the waterways of Abonnema, the headquarters of Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers State by people described as political thugs.

The thugs reportedly opened fire on the soldiers, injuring five others. The attack came ahead of the tension soaked legislative rerun across the 23 local government areas of the volatile Niger Delta state.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Capt. Eli Lazarus, who confirmed the “barbaric act”, which heightened tension in the state, revealed that soldiers are now in pursuit of the criminals, who he said would surely be apprehended.

Capt. Lazarus said: “At 11 am on March 17, 2016, troops on patrol along the waterways in the general area of Abonnema had a fierce encounter with a group of unknown gunmen, suspected to be sea pirates.

“Our men displayed extraordinary gallantry during the encounter. Unfortunately, an officer and a soldier, who sustained various degree of injury, lost their lives.

“We are in pursuit of the criminals and we will surely get them. All law-abiding citizens are urged to go about their lawful activities. The army will continue to make necessary sacrifices to ensure sustainable peace, security of lives and property of all.”

Also on Thursday, gunmen stormed Mgbuitanwo in Emohua area of the state, where the Rivers East senatorial candidate of the APC, Chief Andrew Uchendu, hails from, killing and beheading a 28-year-old man, identified as Ukeoma.

The gunmen, who laid siege to the community, according to sources, abducted another resident.

The police and other security agencies are being put under pressure by political thugs. Hope they will be able to rise to the occasion and deal with this ugly situation.