Unidentified gunmen have reportedly killed a soldier and kidnapped 13 passengers in a coordinated attack on two commercial vehicles along the Okene–Auchi Federal Highway.
According to counter-terrorism platform Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred around 5:35 p.m. on Tuesday when the attackers stopped a green Toyota Sienna travelling from Abuja to Delta State with nine passengers onboard. Six of the occupants were abducted, while three managed to escape.
The assailants were also said to have intercepted a white Toyota Hiace bus conveying 11 passengers from Delta to Abuja during the same operation. Reports indicate that seven passengers were taken away, while four others were rescued.
Zagazola Makama further disclosed that a serving non-commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army, who was among the passengers and identified himself as a soldier, was shot by the attackers. He reportedly sustained gunshot wounds to his legs and thighs and later died from the injuries.
Security operatives recovered both vehicles and moved them to a police station for safekeeping. Five expended 7.62mm shells, believed to have been fired from an AK-47 rifle, were also found at the scene.
The body of the slain soldier has been deposited at the Okengwe General Hospital mortuary for autopsy, while statements were taken from the rescued passengers to assist ongoing investigations.
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