OKUAMA, Delta – Members of the Nigerian Army today invaded Okuama Village in Delta State, killing and maiming innocent people left in the village.
The Nigerian Army invaded the village following the ambush and killing of 16 officers during their mission to maintain peace in crisis between Okuama and Okoloba Communities in Delta State.
The officers killed include, a Commanding Officer, two Majors, one captain and 12 officers.
The army embarked on the mission with full authority from President Bola Tinubu in a well circulated public statement.
In a statement, Tinubu who commiserated with families of the departed soldiers, said the cowardly offenders responsible will not go unpunished.
“As a nation we must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep our nation safe, strong and united. The officers and men who died in Okuama have joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all in with honour, the service of our fatherland.
“Members of the armed forces are at the heart and core of our nationhood. Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. we will not accept this wicked act.
“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”, the President said.
Meanwhile, an unconfirmed report attributed the attack on the soldiers to their attempt to arrest 3 high chiefs in Okuama, a situation that was resisted by the community.
We gathered that what followed was that the soldiers opened fire on innocent villagers, injuring well over 500 of them and killing many.
We gathered as the soldiers were leaving Okuama, they were ambushed by 9 speedboats, filled with militants, who killed the 16 soldiers.
