Gunmen, on Saturday night, attacked troops of Operation Enduring Peace, OPEP, at a checkpoint in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a soldier and carting away two weapons.
The incident occurred at about 8pm at the Sopp Checkpoint in Ungwan Boka community, Riyom LGA.
Sources revealed that personnel of the operation were on duty when gunmen suddenly opened fire on them, killing the victim and taking away his rifle.
The attackers, according to security sources, opened fire from different directions, leading to an exchange of gunfire before they fled into the surrounding bushes.
The sources said, ‘The attack occurred while the troops were keeping vigil at the checkpoint.
‘The gunmen opened fire from different directions, forcing the troops to engage them in a gun battle.’
Confirming the incident, spokesman of OPEP, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, described the attack as deliberate and unprovoked, saying troops have been deployed there to restore normalcy.
Oteh said, ‘It was a deliberate and unprovoked attack on troops at Sopp Check Point, Ungwan Boka in Riyom Local Government Area.
‘Troops have restored normalcy in the area and are maintaining aggressive pursuit of the perpetrators in order to apprehend them and recover the carted-away weapons.
‘The situation remains under control, while troops continue to sustain heightened vigilance to prevent any further security breach and reassure residents of their safety.
‘The public is urged to remain calm, go about their lawful activities and volunteer credible information that could assist security agencies in their ongoing efforts, ‘ Captain Oteh added.