Troops of the Nigeria Army have razed Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, where sixteen soldiers were killed in a communal clash.
Media reports indicate that a manhunt for the perpetrators was ongoing, with several arrests made by soldiers under the command of Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army while residents of the coastal community have fled to neighboring Ughelli out of fear of reprisals from the soldiers patrolling the creeks.
Reports indicate that fourteen lifeless bodies of the slain soldiers were recovered by a joint task force, supervised by Major General Jamal Abdussalam. Gruesome details emerged, revealing that some corpses were beheaded, while others had their stomachs and hearts ripped out.
At the NDDC jetty in the coastal Delta community, the bodies of the commanding officer and two 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 incident occurred during a response to a distress call following a communal crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.
According to Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the troops were attacked by community youths during a peace mission in Bomadi Local Government Area of the state. This led to the deaths of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers.
The Defence spokesman confirmed that the incident had been reported to the Delta State Government, with the Chief of Defence Staff directing the unmasking of the culprits. Several suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The military reaffirms 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
