Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers launched a deadly assault on Saturday evening in Nunya, a community in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, killing a soldier and a driver working with a Chinese construction company.
The attackers, numbering about six, reportedly arrived at the site on three motorcycles, wearing military camouflage and armed with assault rifles.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen upon storming the construction site operated by a Chinese engineering firm, opened fire on the workers, and killed one of the drivers.
A soldier providing security at the site was also shot dead, with his rifle allegedly taken by the attackers before they fled.
It is suspected that the assailants may have crossed over from a neighboring state and are believed to be part of a notorious kidnapping gang.
Sources also alleged that the attack was led by a suspected criminal with military training who is currently on the run.
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Security operatives responded swiftly to the attack, conducting a coordinated operation in the area.
The remains of the deceased driver were evacuated and deposited at the hospital. Some spent AK-47 ammunition shells were reportedly recovered at the scene.
Following a tip-off, a suspect believed to have links to the attack was arrested at a hideout in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
He is currently being detained and undergoing interrogation, while efforts to apprehend other fleeing suspects continue.
As of the time of filing this report, there has not been an official statement from the Abia State Police Command.
All efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, for comment were unsuccessful.
