Six soldiers killed as gunmen attack village in Taraba

Six soldiers have been reported dead in an attack by gunmen on Tati village in Takum LGA of Taraba state.

The gunmen were said to have come in large numbers and invaded the village on Tuesday around 10pm. They were said to have engaged the troops of 93 battalions in a fierce gun battle.

But the gunmen overpowered the troops, killing six soldiers, and abducting one commanding officer –a lieutenant colonel.

The army announced Dauda Tata (7NA/44/4046), Yusuf Salihu (95NA/40/5031), Ndubuise Okonkwo (96NA/42/6911), Abdullahi Ibrahim, Emmanuel Jerry (14NA/72/14051) and Sani Isa as the casualties.

Military sources said the gunmen also ambushed and attacked troop reinforcement deployed from Marraraba, but that the troops carried out anti-ambush drills to fight their way out.

The sources said two gunmen were killed while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 19 rounds of 7.62mm(SP), one pistol, seven rounds of 9mm ammo, one locally-made gun, three MCs, charms and a sum of N15,120.

As of the time of filing this report, a search and rescue operation was on for the commanding officer who is reportedly abducted.