Gunmen suspected to be armed launched an attack on an Army patrol van in Edo State, resulting in the tragic death of a soldier and the theft of sacks believed to contain cash.
The incident occurred around 2:10 pm as the military vehicle, carrying three soldiers, was en route to Ikpoba Hill. The attack took place at the traffic lights on Akpakpava Road by First Junction. The assailants employed an unmarked Toyota Camry car, driving against traffic to confront the military vehicle. Two of the four occupants of the Camry disembarked and opened fire on the soldiers.
In response, the three soldiers abandoned their patrol vehicle and the sacks, fleeing the scene on foot. The armed individuals reportedly seized the bags from the patrol van after the soldiers had fled.
Eyewitnesses recounted that one of the soldiers fell while trying to escape and was injured. Despite the attempts of his two colleagues to assist him, they were unable to offer much help.
When contacted, Captain Yusuf Sokoya, the Public Relations Officer of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army headquarters in Benin City, responded, “I will find out if it is true. Don’t call again, I will call you.”
This incident highlights a brazen attack targeting military personnel and underlines the security challenges in the region.