One soldier was killed on Saturday night when gunmen attacked a checkpoint manned by troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) in Ungwan Boka, Sopp community, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The gunmen also carted away the soldier’s rifle during the attack, which occurred at about 8pm.

The attackers were said to have opened fire from different directions, leading to an exchange of gunfire before they fled into the surrounding bushes.

Confirming the incident, the spokesman of OPEP, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, described the attack as deliberate and unprovoked.

He, however, said that troops had restored normalcy in the area.

Oteh, responding to inquiries on the incident, 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 in order 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.

“We are aggressively pursuing the perpetrators and recover the stolen weapons.”

He urged the public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, while calling on them to volunteer credible information that could assist security agencies in their ongoing efforts. (The Sun)