17th March, 2016
A serving major in the Nigerian Army and three soldiers have been reported killed in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru LGA, Rivers state this afternoon by unknown gunmen.
The details of the killing remain sketchy at the time of this report.
In a statement issued by Captain Eli Lazarus, the Assistant Army Public Relations Officer of 2 Brigade “About 11:00 am today Thursday 17 March 16, troops on Patrol in Abonema, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State had a fierce encounter with a group of unknown gunmen suspected to be sea pirates. Our men displayed extraordinary gallantry.
“Unfortunately, an officer and a soldier who sustained various degrees of injury during the encounter lost their lives. We are in pursuit of the criminals and we will surely get them. All law abiding citizens are urged to remain calm and advised to go about their lawful activities.
“The army will continue to make necessary sacrifices to ensure sustainable peace and security of lives and property of every one in the state,” Captain Eli Lazarus said.
Meanwhile, The Rivers State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, says it will make the details public as soon as they are available to the party.