Community razed after killing of soldiers

The Okuama community in Delta State has been razed, and residents have fled to the neighbouring Ughelli community, following the killing of 16 soldiers on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi Local Government Area of the State.

Penpushing reports that it was not clear who razed the houses in the community or if anyone died from it as at the time of filing this report on Sunday as gun shots were heard, with flame sighted, while it is recalled that the troops were deployed to restore order between two warring communities: Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.

There is no indication as of the time of this report that soldiers were responsible for the burning of the Okuama community, but it is recalled that during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration (1999-2007) when similar killings of soldiers occurred in Odi and Zaki Biam, the communities were razed by the soldiers

Penpushing further reports that the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau who earlier disclosed killing of the soldiers on Saturday, added that the sad incident occurred on Thursday, when the troops were ambushed

The Brigadier General explained that the military personnel responded to a distress call arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta, adding that the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, had directed immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime.

Penpushing also reports that Gusau disclosed that the incident had been reported to the Delta State Government, adding that a few arrests have been made while steps have been taken to unravel the motive behind the attack,’’

“The military, however, 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 have been taken to unravel the motive behind the attack,’’ he said

Penpushing reports that the Delta State Government hours after the military’s statement, confirmed the killing of the soldiers and vowed to work with authorities to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.

The Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, in a statement by his spokesperson, Festus Ahon, condoled with the military and the families of the slain soldiers, adding that the state government is gravely disturbed by the violence and unprovoked killing of the soldiers.

“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’, the statement reads.

“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’, the statement added

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