Gunmen Attack Military Checkpoint In Plateau Community, Kill One Soldier, Cart Away Weapons

Gunmen on Saturday night attacked troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) at a checkpoint in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a soldier and carting away two weapons.

The incident occurred at about 8pm at the Sopp Checkpoint in Ungwan Boka, Riyom LGA, where the troops came under attack by the gunmen.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the troops were keeping vigil at the checkpoint when the attackers opened fire on them.

The attackers, according to security sources, opened fire from different directions, leading to an exchange of gunfire before they fled into the surrounding bushes.

The sources said, “The attack occurred while the troops were keeping vigil at the checkpoint.

“The gunmen opened fire from different directions, forcing the troops to engage them in a gun battle.”

Meanwhile, the spokesman of OPEP, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, confirmed the incident to our correspondent in Jos.

He described the attack as deliberate and unprovoked, saying troops had restored normalcy in the area.

Oteh said, “It was a deliberate and unprovoked attack on troops at Sopp Check Point, Ungwan Boka in Riyom Local Government Area.”

“Troops have restored normalcy in the area and are maintaining aggressive pursuit of the perpetrators to apprehend them and recover the carted-away weapons.”

” The situation remains under control, while troops continue to sustain heightened vigilance to prevent any further security breach and reassure residents of their safety.”

“The public is urged to remain calm, go about their lawful activities and volunteer credible information that could assist security agencies in their ongoing efforts.”