The Nigerian Army has officially issued a statement about the reported killing of 16 of its personnel in Delta State.
The killings were said to have occurred on Thursday, March 14th after the troops came to the Okuoma community apparently on a distress call about the communal crises between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities in the Ughelli South Local Government Area , Delta State .
The military personnel including Commanding Officer, 2 Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers were said to have been ambushed in the Okuoma community.
Here is the statement from the Army released on their official X handle:
SITUATION REPORT ON THE ATTACK AND KILLING OF MILITARY PERSONNEL ON PEACE MISSION BY OKUOMA COMMUNITY
The troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State While on peace mission to OKUOMA community in BOMADI LGA of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March, 2024. 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.
The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime. The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Govt.
However, 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 in place to unravel the motive behind the attack. Additional details later.
TUKUR GUSAU
Brigadier General
Acting Director, Defence Information.
16 March, 2024.
