Gunmen kill soldier, steal rifle in Plateau checkpoint attack

From Jude Owuamanam, Jos

Gunmen on Saturday night killed a soldier and carted away his rifle when they attacked a checkpoint manned by troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) at Ungwan Boka, Sopp community, Riyom Local Government, Plateau State.

The attack occurred around 8pm when the assailants reportedly opened fire from different directions, triggering an exchange of gunfire with troops before the attackers fled into surrounding bushes.

Confirming the incident, OPEP spokesman, Captain Chinonso  Oteh, described the attack as deliberate and unprovoked, saying troops had restored normalcy and were pursuing the perpetrators.

“It was a deliberate and unprovoked attack on troops at Sopp Check Point, Ungwan Boka in Riyom Local Government Area,” he said.

“Troops have restored normalcy in the area and are maintaining aggressive pursuit of the perpetrators in order to apprehend them and recover the carted-away weapons.”

Oteh said troops had heightened vigilance in the community to forestall further attacks and protect residents.

“The situation remains under control, while troops continue to sustain heightened vigilance to prevent any further security breach and reassure residents of their safety,” he said.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, while providing credible information to assist security agencies in tracking down the attackers.