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.
According to the Defence Headquarter’s statement on Saturday adding that this 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.
While 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 has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime. “The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Government”, the statement added.
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”, the statement said.
In his reaction on X, the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar on Sunday said the brutal killing of over a dozen Nigerian soldiers in Okuama in the Ughelli South Local Government Area and Okolaba in the Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State stands condemned.
He said, “There can never be a justification for a premeditated killing of soldiers on a legitimate assignment. Even as we grieve the loss of these soldiers, who are not only Nigerians but have families and dependants,
The former Vice President double as the People’s Democratic Party 2023 Presidential Candidate urged restraints by the military authorities in response while recommended that the culprits be arrested and prosecuted.
Peter Obi on X, who had earlier added his voice to that of other Nigerians to condemn in the strongest terms, the mindless killing of security personnel on peacekeeping mission in a community in Delta state, said two wrongs can never make a right.
Adding this act remains censured and accursed by all right thinking Nigerians. “However, the emerging disturbing reports of the community being under arson attack is equally unpalatable and wrong headed.
“In all situations, two wrongs cannot produce a right. Reprisal arson attacks on community cannot compensate for the original wrong of the killing of the soldiers.
“It is most likely that innocent lives will be lost in these reprisal attacks and innocent citizens who had no hand in the ugly crimes, may be rendered homeless by the unwanton destruction of the community.
“The correct and civilized thing to do is to put all machinery in place to apprehend the real perpetrators of the original ignoble act and bring them to book. As painful as the act may be, I appeal to the security agencies to be considerate and avoid transferring their anger to hapless members of the community.
“I have also learnt that the Government of Delta State, had been on top of this situation before it escalated. I urge the Governor not to relent but to put in more effort to ensure minimal damage. In this regard, he needs the involvement of all community leaders to calm the nerves.
The Labour Party Presidential Candidates and the former Anambra State Governor who repeatedly consoled the victims’ family, said “Once again, my heart goes out in sympathy to all bereaved in this unfortunate incident as I pray God to grant the souls of the departed eternal rest”.
Also, the Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate for Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour said on X that he was deeply troubled by the gruesome killing of soldiers and senior officers in Delta state. “Such attack on our military must be condemned and the perpetrators brought to justice”.
While pleaded with the leadership of the military and commander in chief to resist the urge (although justifiably provoked) to unleash violence on the entire community where innocent citizens will bear the brunt for the crime of a depraved few.
He therefore called for an urgent inquiry into the matter and for the cooperation of the community leaders and representatives to fish out these criminals. “They must never go unpunished”, Rhode-Vivour said.
Former Presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad in his reaction on X condemned the terrorists responsible for the brutal killing of soldiers in Delta and those who killed scores of soldiers in Niger last year, as well as those who have carried out deadly attacks against the troops in Borno over the past years.
He said, the Nigerian Army should respond promptly and decisively, to locate and deal with those terrorists in the manner they have treated your colleagues. “Killing soldiers is a grave transgression that should never occur.
“In whatever circumstances, no justification for taking their lives; they stand on the front lines to protect us and our way of life”.