Not less than 16 army personnel have been reported killed by youths in Okuoma community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.
The murdered army personnel are from the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army.
The military men were attacked on Thursday, March 14, 2024, after a distressed call was relayed to them to quell a communal crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.
Their intervention took a drastic turn as they found themselves ambushed by youths of the warring community.
Nigeria army command has confirmed the attack and also said that the reenforced personnel were also attacked. The Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau confirmed the ugly development.
In all, a commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 soldiers lost their lives in the attack.
“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 deaths of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers,” according to the statement.
Investigation has bee ordered by the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to unraveled how the attack happened and to fish out the culprits.
Gusau said the Delta State government have been brief and that some suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings.
He further stressed that the military will do everything within its powers to ensure that there is peace and security in any part of Nigeria.
“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 Government.
“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 are in place to unravel the motive behind the attack,” he added.
