On Wednesday, police reported that gunmen ambushed a convoy in Southern Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers and two civilian drivers, as well as the abduction of two South Korean workers.

Incident Details

The attack occurred on Tuesday morning along the Ahoada/Abua East-West axis in Rivers State. A police officer disclosed that the convoy was transporting two workers from Daewoo, a South Korean construction company. The gunmen struck around 9:30 AM, killing the soldiers who were escorting the convoy. They also stole the soldiers’ weapons during the ambush.

“The gunmen also abducted the two Koreans before fleeing the scene,” the police officer, who wished to remain anonymous, stated.

Investigation Underway

Rivers State police spokeswoman Grace Iringe Koko confirmed the incident but did not provide further details. “We are investigating the matter. We shall give you the details later,” she told reporters.

Background Context

Kidnapping for ransom is a frequent occurrence in Nigeria, particularly targeting foreign workers in remote mining or construction areas. The country has seen a rise in such incidents, with criminal gangs specifically targeting expatriates.

Asian companies, including those from China and South Korea, are actively involved in various infrastructure projects across Nigeria, such as road and railway construction. Unfortunately, many of their workers have been kidnapped for ransom in the past, often resulting in their release after a ransom is paid to the abductors.

Broader Security Concerns

The attack adds to concerns about the rising insecurity in Nigeria, where banditry and violent crime have been on the rise. Authorities continue to face challenges in combating these threats, impacting both local communities and foreign investments in the country.