Troops of the Nigeria Army have razed-down Okuama community, in Ughelli-South local government area of Delta State, where sixteen soldiers were killed in a communal clash.
This is coming in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s vow that the killers of the Army personnel will not go unpunished.
Recall that at least 16 soldiers were reportedly killed while on a mission to douse clashes between two communities in the South-South state. The incident occurred during a response to a distress call following a communal crisis between Okuoma and Okoloba communities.
The troops, from the 181 Amphibious Battalion, deployed in the Bomadi region, were on a peace-keeping mission in Okuoma community when they were killed on Thursday.
At the NDDC jetty in the coastal Delta community, the bodies of the commanding officer and two Army Majors were found floating by the river bank, while others were scattered on land.
Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has ordered an investigation into the tragic killing of four senior officers and 12 soldiers. The military reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the country, despite the tragic incident. Efforts are underway to understand the motive behind the attack, with steps taken to bring those responsible to justice.
Responding to the development yesterday, Tinubu, in an issued statement he personally signed, said, “The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished”.
“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”, he affirmed.
He also extended “profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues and their loved ones”.
The President said the Delta killings demonstrate the dangers faced by Nigerian servicemen and women in the line of duty. He asserted that as a nation, Nigerians must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep the country safe, strong and united.
The President said the Delta killings demonstrate the dangers faced by Nigerian servicemen and women in the line of duty. He asserted that as a nation, Nigerians must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep the country safe, strong and united.
The officers and men who died in Okuama community, Tinubu said, have joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all, with honour, in the service of their fatherland.
He noted, “Members of our Armed Forces are at the heart and core of our nationhood. Therefore “Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act. I salute their heroism, courage, and uncommon grit and patriotism.
“My government will not relent until we achieve peace and tranquillity in every part of Nigeria”, he stressed.
