By Daniel Okoro, March 18, 2024, News/Comments

The Acting Director of the Nigerian Army Defence Information, Heeadquarters , Brigadier General Tukur Gusau had given  situation report on the attack and killing of military personnel on peace mission to okuama community, in his  report he had insisted that Okuama community ambushed and killed soldiers who as alleged were on their way for a distress calls:

The troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State While on peace mission to Okuama community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March, 2024. The unfortunate incident occurred  when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.

The reinforcement team led by the Commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death 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 Govt.

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 in place to unravel the motive behind the attack. Additional details later”

The following day, another news championed  by NewsNet Nigeria, with a report heading :“We did not kill any soldier rather Tantita backed officers are destroying our community – Okuama people lament”.:

Contrary to reports making rounds, particularly in the media that some soldiers were killed by youths of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, some Okuama people have denied the killing.

Some indigenes alleged hundreds of persons were killed on Thursday and Friday by persons wearing Army uniforms who invaded the community. An indigene of Okuama community, Onajite Idiaphoro, in an interview with our Correspondent said the men who invaded the community with a Tantita gunboat burnt all the houses in the community.

He alleged, “We were holding regular Community meeting on Thursday when some men in Army uniforms and carried by Tantita Gun boat invaded the meeting demanding to see our community chairman.

“As soon as our chairman was identified, the men said that they were taking him to Bomadi for questioning but the community women resisted the approach because Okuama is under Ughelli South Local Government Area and the chairman did not commit any crime neither the community that demands military invasion.

“The men started shooting killing two persons instantly and injuring many persons before driving away. Mr Idiaphoro said that after the first shooting, residents of the community, especially the men started moving out fearing the worst could happen later.

“After four hours later, the men came back with many gunboats, shooting sporadically into the community and killing many persons including women and children before burning houses,” he lamented. How our people who are mere fishermen and potato farmers have guns to fight, talk less of killing a whole 15 Army officers as wrongly reported? He queried in a weak tone.

At this point, he burst into tears saying, “Okuama community has been at the receiving end of the crisis with Okoloba as former NIMASA boss, Patrick backed by former Militant leader, Tompolo have boys to kill us”.

The people of Okuama community called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Chief of Army Staff to immediately halt the invasion of their community and set up a panel of inquiry to unravel the true killers of the reported 15 soldiers.

President Tinubu calls for calm and proper investigation

Meanwhile President Bola Tinubu has called for calm and vowed to punish those who committed the heinous act, in his press release, the president wonder how serving officers could be ambushed and killed like criminals:

The Nigerian people and I woke up to the dreadful news of the unprovoked killing of our brave military personnel during a rescue mission in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2024, when our troops, responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State, were ambushed. A Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and twelve soldiers sadly lost their lives. One civilian was also killed.

As the Commander-in-Chief, I join all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces to mourn and express my profound grief over the needless death of our gallant soldiers.

I extend my profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones. The military high command is already responding to this incident. The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.

This incident, once again, demonstrates the dangers faced by our servicemen and women in the line of duty. I salute their heroism, courage, and uncommon grit and patriotism.

As a nation, we must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep our nation safe, strong, and united. The officers and men who died in Okuama community have joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all, with honour, in the service of our fatherland.

Members of our armed forces are at the heart and core of our nationhood. Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act.

The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.

My government will not relent until we achieve peace and tranquility in every part of Nigeria. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep members of our armed forces safe.

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