Army confirms killing of 6 soldiers by Niger Delta Avengers

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai

The 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin, has confirmed Wednesday attack on military houseboat in Ejere community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta.

Capt. Jonah Unuakhalu, Assistant Director, Public Relations Unit of the Brigade, made the confirmation in a press statement issued on Thursday to newsmen in Warri.

He said that six persons died in the attack.

Unuakhalu said that suspected militants attacked the houseboat with five speed boats mounted with 250 horse power outboard engines and disguised as normal commuters.

According to him, at about 5.50 p.m. on June 1, 2016, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) Houseboat deployed at Ejere junction in Warri South Local Government Area was attacked by suspected armed militants group.

“During the deliberate attack, two soldiers were killed, one wounded, one soldier missing while four civilian staff attached to the houseboat were shot dead.

“The attack occurred when other members of the troop were on pipeline patrol,’’ he said.

Unuakhalu said that the Brigade condemned in strong terms, the attack on its personnel and the other innocent civilians who were discharging their constitutional duties.

While urging the people to go about their legitimate businesses, he assured that the attack would not deter the military from carrying out its constitutional duties.

“The Brigade will not be deterred by such dastardly acts, but will remain resolute in discharging its constitutional duties.

“Furthermore, those who carried out the criminal acts will surely be sought, apprehended and brought to justice,’’ he said.