Tinubu orders CDS to fish out those behind Okuoma killings, Senate demands justice, Falana tells FG to end reprisal attack
By Emma Ogbuehi
As Nigerians scramble to make sense of the alleged killing of soldiers in a Delta community by youths on Thursday, reactions continue to pour in.
On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu directed the Chief of Defence Staff to ensure that those behind the gruesome murder of soldiers in Okuoma, Delta State, are fished out and punished accordingly.
This is even as the Senate is demanding for justice for the slain soldiers.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, also weighed in on the matter on Sunday, calling on the Federal Government to put an end to the reprisal attacks by soldiers of the Nigerian Army in the Okuama community of Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State.
Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, also took to his X handle to highlight the burning down of the community.
“This is Okuama Community in Ewu Kingdom, Ughelli South LGA, Delta State where over a dozen military officers lost their lives this weekend,” Ibori tweeted.
But Tinubu, who expressed dismay over the killing of the soldiers on peace mission in Okuoma, commiserated with the families of the fallen heroes, their colleagues and their loved ones.
President Tinubu in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, said, “On Saturday morning, the Nigerian people and I woke up to the dreadful news of the unprovoked killing of our brave military personnel during a rescue mission to Okuoma Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
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“The incident occurred on Thursday 14 March, 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 country 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 the 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 the members of our armed forces safe.”
Senate demands justice for slain soldiers
Reacting to the killings on Sunday, the Nigerian senate demanded justice for the slain soldiers.
The senate through the Chairman, Senate Committee on Nigerian Army, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, condemned the heinous crime.
Fifteen bodies of the soldiers were recovered by soldiers of the Joint Task Force under the supervision of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, at the Okuama community.
Some youths from Okoloba were said to have ambushed and killed three Okuama youths – Igho Meshack, Godspower Awusa and Okiemute Agbabuleke, over an age-long land dispute in the area as they were returning from Okwagbe.
In a reprisal attack, some Okuama youths on Wednesday reportedly ambushed one Mr. Anthony Aboh, an indigene of Okoloba, and held him hostage.
But, operatives of the JTF swiftly swung into action and moved to Okuama to rescue the hostage.
Reacting Yar’Adua, in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, condoled with the service chiefs over the loss of their men.
In his word: “On behalf of the 10th Senate Committee on Nigerian Army, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army and officers and men of Operation Delta Safe on the tragic loss of our gallant personnel who were mercilessly killed by some youths during a peace mission to Okuoma Community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday 14th March 2024.
“The sacrifices made by the Commanding Officer, three officers, and 12 soldiers during this distressing incident shall forever be remembered. Their bravery and commitment exemplify the highest virtue of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice, and their legacy will forever inspire us all.
“I wish to commend the swift response of the Chief of Defence Staff in directing an immediate investigation to apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime. It is crucial that justice is served and those behind this criminal act are brought to account for their actions.
“The Nigerian Army’s unwavering focus on upholding peace and security in our nation is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our Armed Forces.
“The Senate Committee on the Nigerian Army stands resolutely alongside the Defence Headquarters and the Nigerian Army in seeking justice for the fallen heroes. We shall spare no effort in supporting the necessary investigations and legal processes to ensure that those responsible for this crime face the full consequences of their actions.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the families of the fallen heroes, and the entire Armed Forces as we honour the sacrifice and service of our brave personnel.”
End reprisal attack in Delta community over killing of soldiers— Falana tells FG
But human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Federal Government to put an end to the reprisal attacks by soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Okuama.
Falana made the call in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged the military to halt the killings of residents while calling for a full probe of the incident.
He had earlier condemned the brutal killing of the soldiers in a statement he released on Saturday night. He had also called for the immediate prosecution of the suspects who were arrested for their involvement in the crime.
Falana said, “Unfortunately, some villages were attacked last night by angry soldiers. After the attack, the villages were set on fire during the nocturnal military invasion.
“Having regard to the destruction of Odi and Zaki Biam over the killing of soldiers, the authorities ought to have taken adequate measures to prevent the attack and burning of the affected villages. It is unfortunate that the Federal Government has not issued any statement on the barbaric incident.
“In view of the tragic turn of events, I call on the military authorities to halt the destruction of the properties of innocent people in the warring communities. It ought to be pointed out that collective punishment is a serious offence under domestic and international law.”
Falana further stated, “Therefore, the Delta State Government should ensure that the murder suspects and arsonists among the civilians and soldiers are fished out and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements in the society.
“Once again, I commiserate with the bereaved families of the slain officers and soldiers. Since they were brutally killed in the course of duty, the Federal Government and the Delta State Government should compensate the dependants of the deceased military officers and soldiers. Compensation should also be extended to the victims of reprisal attacks by angry soldiers.”
