Posted by By Henry Chukwurah, Port Harcourt on
At least four suspected militants were killed and one other seriously wounded on Monday in a clash with the Military Joint Task Force (JTF) at Isaka community in Rivers State.
At least four suspected militants were killed and one other seriously wounded on Monday in a clash with the Military Joint Task Force (JTF) at Isaka community in Rivers State.
The incident occurred just as two persons were reported missing when some gunmen attacked a boat at Alakiri area of the state.
It was gathered that the militants who rode in two speed boats engaged the government forces in a gun duel.
The militants, numbering about 12, were alleged to have hijacked a barge and a tugboat loaded with petrol a few days ago.
Following a tip-off, a detachment of the Joint Task Force went in the pursuit of the gunmen. The military men were said to have confronted the militants, while attempting to move the hijacked tugboat and barge to the Daves Island.
In the ensuing gun fight, in which the JTF was said to have gained upper hand, the speed boats of the militants sunk and four members of the armed gang felled.
Another member of the gang who sustained serious injury was later arrested. Efforts to get the JTF spokesman in the state, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, for comment on the incident drew blank as at press time. However, a dependable military source confirmed that the suspected militants suffered some casualties.