6 soldiers cheat death in Bayelsa

Soji Ajibola, Yenagoa - 19.03.2008

Six soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Tuesday narrowly escaped death when an haulage truck overran their security post in Edepie, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The MAN haulage truck with registration number: XJ 824 KTU, according to eyewitness, was heading to Yenagoa from Mbiama end of the state to discharge sand when the incident occurred.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the steering of the truck got hooked while trying to negotiate Edepie round about was the driver losing lost control.

Sensing the danger ahead, the soldiers at the duty post escaped as well as guided against the explosion of the ammunition mounted at the security post.

Market men and women along the road also scampered for safety. However, our correspondent gathered that no life was lost.

As at the time our correspondent visited the scene of the incident, people were seeing discussing in groups thanking God for averting what could have resulted in the death of many.

The soldiers were not ready to comment on the incident, but it was learnt that the driver of the truck has been arrested and handed over to the police.

The JTF commander in the state, Liutenant Colonel Chris Musa, could not be reached for comment, while the Police Public Relations Officer, Iniobong Ibokette, could not confirm the incident as he said that he was yet to be briefed.