Gunmen kill soldier, steal weapons at Plateau checkpoint

Gunmen have killed a soldier and stolen two weapons after attacking troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) at a military checkpoint in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack happened around 8 p.m. on Saturday at Sopp Checkpoint in Ungwan Boka, where soldiers were on duty. The assailants opened fire on the troops from different directions, leading to a gun battle before they escaped into the bush.

Chinonso Oteh, an army captain and spokesperson for OPEP, confirmed the incident. He called it a deliberate and unprovoked attack on the troops.

Oteh said security forces have brought normalcy back to the area and started an operation to find the attackers and recover the stolen weapons. "It was a deliberate and unprovoked attack on troops at Sopp Checkpoint, 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," Mr Oteh said.

He added that the situation is under control. Troops have increased surveillance to stop further security breaches and reassure residents of their safety.

The military spokesperson urged residents to stay calm, continue their lawful activities, and provide useful information that could help security agencies catch the attackers.

This incident comes amid ongoing security worries in parts of Plateau State. Communities have faced repeated attacks, killings, and kidnappings.