Unidentified gunmen, suspected to be cultists, ambushed and injured soldiers guarding an oil pipeline in Okporowo, a community in the Orlukwor clan of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State. According to a confidential source, the attack occurred on Monday, February 10, and was reportedly led by a wanted gang leader already on the watchlist of security agencies.
The gunmen opened fire on the soldiers, leaving some injured, though no fatalities were reported.
“It is suspected that a soldier sustained serious injuries, but no reports of fatality yet. I just learnt that there is massive reinforcement from the military,” the source told The Nation.
The traditional ruler of the Orlukwor community, Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Prince Ike Ehie JP, condemned the attack, calling it an unacceptable affront to authority.
“It is an insult to constituted authorities for civilians, under any guise, to shoot at military officers carrying out their constitutional duties,” he stated.
Eze Ehie urged the government to swiftly identify and apprehend those responsible while calling on security agencies to act professionally and avoid harassing innocent residents in the course of their operations. Describing Orlukwor as a peaceful and hospitable kingdom, the monarch vowed to work with security agencies to curb the illegal proliferation of arms among the youth.
He also stressed the importance of community rulers protecting public interests, warning that those who fail to do so would face consequences, including removal from their positions. Eze Ehie extended his sympathies to the military, the government, and the injured soldiers, wishing them a speedy recovery.
