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Gunmen disguised in military uniforms on Tuesday killed a soldier and abducted 13 passengers during coordinated attacks on two commercial vehicles along the Okene-Auchi Federal Highway.
It was learnt that the incident occurred at about 5:35 pm when the gunmen intercepted a green Toyota Sienna, conveying nine passengers from Abuja to Delta State.
Counter-terrorism publication, Zagazola Makama, reported that six passengers were abducted from the vehicle, while three others were rescued.
The assailants reportedly also stopped a white Toyota Hiace bus, conveying 11 passengers from Delta State to Abuja, during the same operation.
Seven passengers were abducted from the Hiace bus, while four were rescued.
Zagazola Makama further reported that a Non-Commissioned Officer of the Nigerian Army, who was among the passengers and had identified himself as a soldier, was shot by the attackers.
He died from gunshot wounds sustained in his legs and thighs, the report stated.
Both vehicles were recovered and towed to a police station for safekeeping. In contrast, five empty shells of 7.62mm ammunition suspected to be from an AK-47 rifle were recovered at the scene as exhibits.
The corpse of the deceased soldier was deposited at the Okengwe General Hospital mortuary for autopsy, while statements were obtained from the rescued victims to aid the investigation.
Meanwhile, troops have embarked on joint rescue operations, including bush combing and intensive surveillance along the highway, with a view to rescuing the abducted passengers and apprehending the perpetrators.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, has not confirmed the incident.
