Army orders immediate arrest of youths who killed 16 soldiers in Delta, as Gov. Oborevwori mourns
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has ordered the immediate arrest of some youths in Delta over the killing of a Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers.
The Acting Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the troops were attacked by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March, 2024.
Gusau in a statement released to newsmen on Saturday said the troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi local government area of Delta State responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.
His words, “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,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, in response, has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime.
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Meanwhile, the statement added that the ugly occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Government for further action.
He however reiterated that 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 in place to unravel the motive behind the attack,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Delta State government has finally broken its silence on the ugly development.
On Saturday even, the state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, condemned, in very strong terms, what he called the unprovoked killing of officers and soldiers attached to 63 Brigade at Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.
He condoled with the military and the families of Officers and Soldiers who died in the attack.
Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, said the Government of Delta State was gravely disturbed by the violence and unprovoked killing of the officers and soldiers, which he described as alien to the culture of Deltans.
His words: “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 is promoting 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.”
