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 lingering communal crisis between the the two communities of Delta State, Okuama and Okoloba communities degenerated at the weekend as the Army Commander, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 other soldiers were killed by state youths, and many unaccounted civilians were killed by Nigerian Army troops.
The Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who confirmed the killing of the military personnel deployed for a peacekeeping mission to two warring communities in Ughelli South and Bomadi LGA of Delta State, said that the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, has ordered the immediate arrest and investigation of all those involved.
He said, “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, both 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”.
It would be recalled that no fewer than fifteen Mobile Policemen deployed to the Agadama community bush in Ughelli north local government area of Delta State were killed by suspected herdsmen and their corpses stayed in the bush for over a week before the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, and the Commandant of Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) Delta State chapter, Mr. Monday Ohwesiri recovered the corpses from the bush.