Troops of the Nigerian army have foiled an ambush by suspected gunmen while responding to a communal dispute in Odonget community in Obubra Local Government Area, authorities said Thursday.
In a statement, Lt. Yemi Sokoya, assistant director of Army public relations for the headquarters of the 13 Brigade, said the incident occurred March 12 after troops stationed in Ochon and Alesi received credible intelligence about rising tensions linked to a communal disagreement in Odonget.
According to Sokoya, soldiers were deployed to the area and conducted patrols and a show of force that helped calm the situation and restore normalcy among the parties involved.
However, while returning to their locations, the troops discovered their route had been deliberately blocked by unidentified persons.
“During efforts to clear the obstruction, the soldiers came under a coordinated ambush by unknown gunmen, leading to a fierce exchange of fire,” Sokoya said.
He said reinforcements from the 245 Battalion were immediately deployed with armored and tactical support vehicles after troops on the ground reported the attack.
The additional forces helped repel the ambush, Sokoya said.
During the confrontation, troops killed four of the attackers, while several others fled the scene, he added.
One soldier was injured in the exchange and was evacuated to Jennifer Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
Following the incident, troops launched cordon-and-search operations in nearby communities suspected to be linked to the attackers to track down those who escaped and prevent further security threats.
Authorities also imposed a curfew in the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The commander of the 13 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Patrick Alimikhena, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism in confronting the attackers.
He also reassured residents of Cross River State of the army’s commitment to protecting lives and maintaining peace in its area of responsibility.
The army urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information to support efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
