Residents of Okuoma, an Ijaw community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, have deserted the town after 22 soldiers dispatched to the area on a peace mission were killed.
The soldiers killed in the community included five officers: a lieutenant colonel who was the commanding officer, two majors, and one captain.
The soldiers were ambushed and murdered by youths on Thursday when the troops went to quell violence between the warring communities of Okuoma and Okoloba.
Although no group has claimed responsibility for the dastardly attack, militias were suspected of masterminding the attack on the troops of the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Army.
Meanwhile, the acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement said the Delta State Government had been briefed about the situation.
“The troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, while on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
“The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.
“The reinforcement team led by the commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the deaths of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers.
“The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime.
“The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Government.
“However, the military remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.
“So far, a few arrests have been made while steps are being taken to unravel the motive behind the attack.”
According to Channels TV, it was reported last night that 14 bodies of the victims had been recovered by a joint task force led by the General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam.
Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has condemned the killing of officers and soldiers attached to 63 Brigade at Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.
While condoling the military and the families of officers and soldiers who died in the attack, Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, said the act was alien to the culture of Deltans.
“The government of Delta State is gravely disturbed by the violence and unprovoked killing of the officers and soldiers, which he described as alien to the culture of Deltans.
“This incident is despicable and not in sync with the culture and tradition of Deltans. It runs contrary to the values and path of peace that the State Government promotes, as I have always emphasized in our MORE agenda to enhance peace and security.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Delta State, I wish to condole, in particular, the families of the killed gallant officers and soldiers, the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general, over this sad occurrence.
“The State Government shall take all measures necessary to fish out all those behind this dastardly act and ensure they are made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Delta State is governed within the tenets of the rule of law and human decency. Acts such as this incident cannot and will not be tolerated.
“Meanwhile, all citizens and residents of the state are enjoined to remain law- abiding and the State Government shall continue to take all measures to protect lives and property in Delta State,” the statement said.
