Deadly Ambush in Nigeria: Gunmen Kill Soldiers and Kidnap Koreans

A tragic incident has occurred in Southern Nigeria, where a convoy was ambushed by gunmen, resulting in the untimely demise of four soldiers and two civilian drivers. Additionally, two Korean workers were also kidnapped during the attack. This distressing news was confirmed by local law enforcement on Wednesday.

It is well-known that Nigeria has been plagued by incidents of kidnapping for ransom, particularly targeting foreign workers who are often employed in isolated mining or construction projects. The recent attack occurred along the Ahoada/Abua East-West axis in Southern Rivers State during the early hours of Tuesday.

According to a senior police officer in the state, the armed assailants carried out their attack at around 9:30 am, targeting the convoy of vehicles transporting the two Daewoo workers. Sadly, the soldiers who were escorting the Koreans and their civilian drivers were fatally shot during the ambush. The assailants not only took the lives of these individuals but also made off with the soldiers’ weapons and kidnapped the two Korean workers before fleeing the scene.

While the Rivers State police spokeswoman, Grace Iringe Koko, has confirmed the incident, she has refrained from providing further details. In her statement to
AFP
, she assured the public that the matter is being thoroughly investigated and that more information will be disclosed as the investigation progresses.

Both the military and the South Korean company Daewoo are yet to issue any official statements regarding the attack. This is a distressing development, particularly since several Asian companies, including those from China and South Korea, are heavily involved in Nigeria’s road and railway construction ventures. It is regrettable to note that workers from these companies have fallen victim to similar kidnappings in the past, with their release often contingent on the payment of a ransom to their abductors.

This unfortunate incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by both local and foreign individuals in Nigeria. The safety and well-being of workers, regardless of their nationality, must be a top priority for both the Nigerian authorities and the companies operating within the country. It is crucial for all parties involved to continue collaborating and strategizing on how best to enhance security measures and ensure the protection of individuals working in Nigeria.

As we await further updates on this distressing incident, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We can only hope for a swift and safe resolution to this harrowing situation.