Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

Two Brigade Nigerian Army Port Harcourt has confirmed the attack  and death of a major  and one soldier in  an encounter with unidentified  gunmen suspected to be sea pirates.

In a statement issued by Captain Eli Lazarus, the Assistant Army Public Relations Officer of 2 Brigade of the said “About 11am today Thursday 17 March 16, troops on  Patrol in Abonema, Degema Local Government Area of  Rivers State has a fierce  encounter with a group of unknown gunmen suspected to be Sea pirates. Our men displayed extraordinary gallantry.

“Unfortunately,an  Officer and a Soldier  who sustained various  degrees of injury during the encounter lost their lives. We are in pursuit of the criminals and we will surely get them. All law abiding citizens are urged to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.

“The  Army will continue to make necessary  sacrifices to ensure sustainable peace and security of lives and property of every one in the state”,Captain Eli Lazarus said.

The Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress,APC,Chris Finebone, said “a major of the Nigerian Army and other 3 soldiers have been reported killed in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru LGA this afternoon [Thursday] by unknown gunmen. The details of the killing remain sketchy at the time of reporting.

“The Rivers State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, will make the details public as soon as they are available to the party”.