Four Nigerian soldiers killed, two South Koreans kidnapped in oil-rich Rivers

Four soldiers were killed while two South Koreans working with an oil servicing company were abducted in Rivers State, southern Nigeria, following an attack on their convoy by unidentified armed men.

Reports say the oil workers and their security team were attacked along the Ahoada/Abua axis, along the state’s East-West road.

Two of the drivers were also killed in the violent attack.

The South Korean nationals were among Daewoo Engineering and Company employees who were being led to work by Nigerian soldiers.

The Nigerian army has since confirmed the killing of the soldiers and the abduction of the South Korean expatriates in the attack.

Major Jonah Danjuma, an army spokesperson, said in a statement that the military has commenced efforts to secure the freedom of the abducted workers while vowing to bring thr criminals to book.

Suspected militants in the oil-rich Niger-Delta have been blamed for the attack but no group claimed responsibility.

Kidnappings of oil workers are widespread in Nigeria, where expats are usually seized for large ransoms.

However, such atrocities have generally been confined to the turbulent Niger Delta region, where oil explorations take place.

Hundreds of oil workers have been abducted with millions of dollars received as ransom, including employees of Shell, Chevron among others.