By Muhammadu Sabiu
Suspected gunmen launched a daring attack on an Army patrol van in Edo State, resulting in the tragic death of a soldier and the successful theft of cash-laden sacks.
The incident occurred on Wednesday as the military vehicle was en route to Ikpoba Hill.
At about 2:10 p.m., the assailants ambushed the patrol unit at a traffic light along Akpakpava Road by First Junction.
The attackers executed their plan with precision, employing an unmarked Toyota Camry to confront the military vehicle head-on.
Two of the four occupants of the Camry disembarked and unleashed a hail of gunfire upon the soldiers, causing them to flee their patrol vehicle and the sacks they were transporting.
Witnesses on the scene recounted the soldiers’ hasty retreat and shared that the gunmen brazenly seized the bags from the abandoned van.
A witness who owns a nearby shop described a poignant moment, revealing that one of the soldiers had been wounded in the chaos while his colleagues were unable to provide assistance.
The injured soldier’s condition prevented him from standing up, and his companions were left helpless.
Authorities were alerted to the situation, prompting inquiries from both the Nigerian Army and the Edo State Police Command.
Captain Yusuf Sokoya, the Public Relations Officer of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army Headquarters in Benin City, initially responded that he would investigate the matter.
However, he failed to follow up on his commitment at the time of the press’s inquiries.
In contrast, the state police public relations officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the distressing occurrence.
He stated that a soldier lost his life during the attack in Benin City. Nwabuzor further explained that a vigilant citizen promptly reported the incident to the local police station, which serves the affected neighbourhood.
The attackers managed to escape with bags believed to contain substantial sums of cash stored inside the targeted Army van.
The incident highlights the audacity of the gunmen and the risks faced by security personnel in the line of duty.
As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, awaiting further updates from both the Nigerian Army and the Edo State Police Command.