Defence Headquarters has said the altercation between personnel of the Nigerian Army and youths in Abonnema Town, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area was caused by hoodlums who attacked its troops.
The violence which erupted in Abonnema in the early hours of Saturday morning led to the death of over 20 persons including a soldier.
The Rivers State Police Command also confirmed the killing of the soldier, though it did not state the number of locals that were felled by the soldiers.
The Army in a statement on Saturday evening, however, did not mention the death of the soldier.
The killings drew sharp criticism from the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which described the killings as barbaric.
Others like the Niger Delta activist, Ankkio Briggs, said that the situation was mishandled.
Read full statement below
Information reaching HQ NA revealed that troops of 6 Division on a legitimate duty in Abonnema, Akuku Toru LGA of Rivers State were attacked by some hoodlums. The attack occurred between Charles and Bob-Manuel’s compounds in Abonnema Town at about 1:00pm on the 23rd Feb 19.
Information reaching HQ NA revealed that troops of 6 Division on a legitimate duty in Abonnema, Akuku Toru LGA of Rivers State were attacked by some hoodlums. The attack occurred between Charles and Bob-Manuel’s compounds in Abonnema Town at about 1:00pm on the 23rd Feb 19. pic.twitter.com/i7mXdvyDkn
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) February 23, 2019
