Niger Delta militants claim to have killed six soldiers in Cross River State clash

NIGER Delta militants fighting the federal government in the creeks have claimed to have killed six soldiers yesterday when they carried out an assault on troops deployed to Efut Esighi waterfront in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

 

According to locals, this particular group of militants is led by the wanted kingpin Benjamin Simplee, popularly known as G One. Eyewitnesses said the militants came in several speedboats to carry out the attack that also left two soldiers missing in action but the Nigerian Army, in a swift reaction, said only one troops was killed.

 

A local source said: “Around 1am, the militants stormed where the soldiers were laying siege in his base in Isighi and shot five of them dead instantly. The sixth one ran off with gunshot wounds but died later.”

 

Thos development created panic in the area with residents expressing fears of reprisal attacks by the army. The attackers, it was also learnt, burnt a buffalo pickup vehicle but the troops, however, killed two of the attackers while others escaped with gunshot wounds. 

According to the Nigerian Army, however,  the reinforcements sent found the missing soldiers. It was also gathered the troop’s location has been reinforced with more gunboats and an air component.

 

Army spokesman Col Sani Usman said: “We would like to assure the public that this singular act would not deter us from the discharge of our duties. Therefore, the perpetrators of this dastardly act would be found and brought to justice.

 

Brigadier Bulama Biu, the commander of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Calabar, added: “In the early morning hours of today, troops were attacked at Efut Isighi in Bakassi Local Government Area by militant groups led by the most wanted leader Benjamin Simply alias G1. In the gun battle one soldier was killed and a pickup van burnt, two militants were killed while others fled with gunshot wounds.

 

“Troops have been fully mobilised and in pursuit of the militants. We want to assure law-abiding citizens to be calm and avail the military and security agencies with useful informing to help track these criminals."

 

He added that a coordinated joint military action is on going to hunt down these criminals no matter their hide outs. According to the army, anyone thinking of attacking its formations should have a rethink.