Gunmen kill army major, injure 2 others in Rivers

A major in the Nigerian Army and another soldier have been shot dead in a shoot-out with suspected pirates in Rivers State. Also, two other soldiers were injured when they were ambushed by unknown gunmen, who struck in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of the state at about 11:00 am yesterday.

The 2 Brigade of the army in Port Harcourt, has confirmed what it described as a 'fierce encounter' with suspected pirates yesterday, in Abonnema. Assistant Director of Army Public Relations in 2 Brigade, Captain Eli Lazarus, in his confirmation, said an officer and a soldier died in the gun duel.

'At about 11:00am on Thursday, March 17, troops on patrol in Abonnema had a fierce encounter with a group of unknown gunmen suspected to be sea pirates. 'Our troops displayed extraordinary valour.  Unfortunately, an officer and a soldier, who sustained various degree of injury during the encounter, lost their lives.  We are in pursuit of the criminals and will surely get them,' Captain Lazarus declared.

The brigade has urged residents to go about their lawful activities with an assurance that the army would continue to make necessary sacrifices to ensure sustainable peace, security of lives and property. Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a statement issued yesterday, by the state Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone, has condemned the attack. The Sun