Unidentified gunmen suspected to be cultists have attacked and injured soldiers guarding an oil company?s pipeline at Okporowo community in Orlukwor clan, Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State.

A source, speaking In confidence, revealed that the attack was carried out on Monday by an unnamed notorious gang leader on the watchlist of security agencies. Although no lives were lost, the attackers opened fire on the soldiers, injuring some of them.

The source said: ?It is suspected that a soldier sustained serious injuries but no reports of fatality yet. I just learnt that there is massive reinforcement from the military?.

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Prince Ike Ehie JP, Eze Ehie II, confirmed the incident and strongly condemned the shooting of soldiers on legitimate duties by the miscreants at Okporowo Community.

Eze Ehie said it was an affront and insult to constituted authorities for civilians under any guise to shoot at military officers on their constitutionally assigned responsibilities.

He called on the government to fish out the perpetrators and urged security agencies to exhibit utmost professionalism and avoid harassing innocent sons and daughters of Orlukwor Kingdom in their efforts to fish out the hoodlums.

Describing Orlukwor as a peaceful and hospitable kingdom, the monarch promised that his kingdom would work in synergy with the security agencies to put an end to the illegal proliferation of arms amongst the youths.

He warned that henceforth, every community paramount ruler should protect the public interest and avoid security breaches that would compromise the kingdom?s security or face dire consequences, including outright removal.

Eze Ehie sympathized with the military high command, government and particularly the victims and wishes them quick recovery. (The Nation)