Soldier killed as gunmen kidnap 13 passengers on Okene–Auchi road

Suspected kidnappers posing as military personnel have killed a serving soldier and abducted 13 passengers in coordinated attacks on two commercial vehicles along the Okene–Auchi Federal Highway.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 5:35 p.m. on December 16, when the assailants intercepted a green Toyota Sienna travelling from Abuja to Delta State with nine passengers on board.

Six of the occupants were reportedly abducted, while three others managed to escape.

During the same operation, the gunmen also stopped a white Toyota Hiace bus conveying 11 passengers from Delta State to Abuja.

Seven passengers were abducted from the bus, while four were rescued.

A serving Non-Commissioned Officer of the Nigerian Army, who was among the passengers and identified himself as a soldier, was shot by the attackers.

He sustained gunshot wounds to his legs and thighs and was later confirmed dead.

Both vehicles were recovered and taken to a nearby police station for safekeeping.

Security operatives also recovered five empty 7.62mm shells, suspected to have been fired from an AK-47 rifle, at the scene.

The body of the deceased soldier was deposited at the Okengwe General Hospital mortuary for autopsy, while statements were taken from the rescued passengers to aid investigations.

Meanwhile, troops have launched joint rescue operations, including bush combing and intensified surveillance along the highway, in an effort to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

Authorities have assured road users that security measures are being stepped up along the Okene–Auchi corridor to prevent further attacks.