Army Debunks Reports Of Boko Haram Attack On Okene Road, Says It’s Armed Robbery

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The Nigerian Army authorities have clarified that the attack on troops along Okene-Kabba road, saying it was not carried out by Boko Haram as widely reported.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brigadier General Olajide Laleye, in a statement on Wednesday said the attack was rather carried out by armed robbers who did not know the Marcopolo buses were carrying troops.

While cautioning the media against publishing unverified report, Olaleye, however said the three soldiers who sustained injuries are receiving treatment.

The statement reads: “The Nigerian Army wishes to clarify that the alleged and widely reported Boko Haram attack on Nigerian Army troops along Okene–Kabba Road was clearly not a Boko Haram related incident. 

“In reality, the incident was a case of armed robbery attack on troops of 322 Artillery Regiment who were travelling in seven Marcopolo buses to Kontagora for an engagement.

“Apparently, the robbers mistook the soldiers for normal civilian travellers who ply the route. “Three soldiers who sustained injuries during the robbery attack are receiving appropriate medical care and will soon join their colleagues.

“Therefore, the Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate its earlier warning on the danger of publishing unverified reports and attributing all criminal activities to Boko Haram terrorists. 

“The inherent danger in this brand of journalism is that it heightens public fear, endangers public safety and creates the wrong impression that Boko Haram is everywhere.”