Gunmen suspected to be cultists have killed a soldier in Bayelsa State.
It was gathered the soldier was shot dead on Saturday around Igbogene in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Though details of the incident are still sketchy, the slain soldier was said to be a Lance Corporal.
His assailants were said to have lured him out to a spot with a phone call over an unconfirmed deal that reportedly went sour, before shooting him dead.
The spokesperson for the 16 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Elebele, Tonye Wenke, did not take his calls.
He has yet to respond to a text message sent to his mobile phone.
But the acting Chairman, Bayelsa Volunteers, Lucky Asanakpo, said the organisation in collaboration with stakeholders has arrested two suspects in connection with the killing of the soldier.
Asanakpo identified them as MacNelly Vincent, a 27-year-old member of the Bobos cult, and Gilizibe Taldord, 26, who belongs to the Greenlanders cult.
According to him, they were arrested in their hideout within the area of the incident while a third suspect reportedly escaped.
Asanakpo said: “Our surveillance unit got wind of the killing of the soldier and immediately swung into action by spreading its tentacles around.
“We caught two suspects but a third suspect identified as Confidence and some others are at large. Concerted efforts are being made by the security agencies to apprehend the fleeing suspects within a short time frame.”
He said the two suspects had been handed over to the military formation in Igbogene for further investigation and prosecution.
Asanakpo stressed the need for cooperation between community leaders and the security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property in the State.
