On Wednesday, a group of suspected armed gunmen attacked an Army patrol van in Edo State, resulting in the death of a soldier and the theft of sacks believed to contain cash.
The incident occurred as the military vehicle, carrying three soldiers, was en route to Ikpoba Hill. The attack took place around 2:10 pm at the traffic lights near Akpakpava Road by First Junction.
The assailants utilized an unmarked Toyota Camry car, driving against traffic to confront the military vehicle. Two of the four occupants of the car reportedly disembarked and began firing shots at the soldiers.
In response to the attack, the three soldiers reportedly abandoned their patrol vehicle and the sacks, fleeing the scene.
Eyewitnesses said the armed men took the bags from the patrol van after the soldiers had fled.
According to a shop owner, “One of the three soldiers fell while running away, attempting to rise but couldn’t due to bleeding. Eventually, his two companions reached him, but they were unable to assist.”
Upon being contacted, Captain Yusuf Sokoya, the Public Relations Officer of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army headquarters in Benin City, stated, “I will verify the information to confirm its accuracy. Please refrain from calling again; I will contact you.”
As of the time of writing, Sokoya had not yet responded as promised.
However, when approached, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, verified the incident, stating, “The Edo State Police Command can affirm that a soldier was killed in Benin City on Wednesday. An upstanding citizen reported the occurrence to the local police station. The criminals took away bags believed to contain cash that were stored inside the Army van.”
