Gunmen, reportedly disguised in military uniforms, launched a coordinated attack on two commercial vehicles along the critical Okene–Auchi highway, resulting in the death of a Nigerian Army soldier and the abduction of thirteen passengers. The brazen assault, which occurred on a recent Tuesday evening, underscores the escalating insecurity challenges plaguing major transport routes across parts of Nigeria.

According to detailed accounts from Zagazola Makama, a counter-terrorism publication, the incident unfolded around 5:35 pm when the armed assailants first intercepted a green Toyota Sienna. This vehicle was en route from Abuja to Delta State, carrying nine passengers. In a swift and violent operation, six individuals were forcibly taken, while three others managed to escape or were rescued amidst the chaos.

Shortly after, during the same operation, the gunmen targeted a white Toyota Hiace bus. This second vehicle, transporting eleven passengers from Delta State towards Abuja, also fell victim to the attackers. Seven passengers from the Hiace bus were abducted, bringing the total number of missing persons to thirteen, with four others from this vehicle also rescued.

A non-commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army, travelling as a passenger in one of the vehicles, tragically lost his life during the attack. The soldier, who identified himself to the assailants, was reportedly shot multiple times, sustaining severe injuries to his legs and thighs. He was later confirmed dead, highlighting the extreme danger faced by even security personnel when confronted by these sophisticated criminal gangs.

Following the attacks, security forces promptly responded to the scene. Both commercial vehicles were recovered and subsequently towed to a nearby police station for safekeeping as part of the ongoing investigation. Crucial forensic evidence, including five empty shells of 7.62mm ammunition, suspected to have been fired from an AK-47 assault rifle, was meticulously collected at the site of the ambush.

The body of the deceased soldier was respectfully deposited at the mortuary of Okengwe General Hospital, awaiting an autopsy. Furthermore, investigators have taken statements from the rescued victims, whose testimonies are deemed vital in piecing together the events and identifying the perpetrators. These statements are expected to provide critical leads to aid the intensive search and rescue efforts underway.

In immediate response to the abductions, joint rescue operations have been swiftly initiated by military and police units. These operations involve extensive bush combing of the surrounding areas and intensified surveillance along the Okene–Auchi corridor, a stretch of highway notorious for past security breaches. Authorities are determined to locate and safely return the abducted passengers and bring the criminals to justice.

Officials from relevant security agencies have assured the public that significant measures are being intensified to bolster security along the beleaguered Okene–Auchi highway. The objective is to prevent future occurrences of such devastating attacks and restore confidence among motorists and commuters. However, attempts to obtain an official statement from Moses Yamu, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, proved unsuccessful as of press time, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the specifics of the police response and ongoing efforts.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria’s transport networks. It underscores the urgent need for enhanced intelligence gathering, improved rapid response capabilities, and more robust deployment of security personnel to protect citizens traversing these vital economic arteries. The safety of travellers remains a paramount concern for both the government and the populace.

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Keywords: Okene-Auchi highway, passenger abduction, Nigerian soldier killed, highway security, banditry Nigeria, security forces operation, commercial vehicle attack, kidnapping incident