Soldier killed, 13 abducted in Edo

An attack by bandits at the Okene-Auchi Federal Highway has left one soldier dead and 13 passengers abducted. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, at exactly 5:35 PM, targeted two commercial vehicles traveling in opposite directions along the route.
‎
The assailants reportedly disguise themselves in military uniform to intercept two vehicles, a green Toyota Sienna traveling from Abuja to Delta State and a white Toyota Hiace bus traveling from Delta to Abuja.
‎
A serving Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Nigerian Army was among the passengers. According to reports, after identifying himself as a soldier, the gunmen shot him in the legs and thighs. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
‎
Troops of the Nigerian Army and police have launched joint rescue operations, along the forest in order to secure the release of the passengers abducted.
‎
‎Meanwhile, security operatives recovered five empty 7.62mm AK-47 shells at the scene and have vowed to secure the highway for Christmas travelers.
‎