22 Military Officers on Peace Mission Killed in Delta
About 22 military officers on rescue mission to Okuama community in Ughelli South local government area, Delta State, were ambushed and killed by armed men and mercenaries of the community last Wednesday.
It would be recalled that, on Wednesday this week, the Bomadi Division of the JTF led by Maj. Jaffa embarked on a rescue mission to Okuama community to free a kidnapped youth, Mr Anthony Aboh, an indigene of neighbouring Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area, who was abducted over the lingering land dispute between the two communities.
A civilian source from the military team said, the commander and his men were taken unaware while on their way back to the waterfront after a deadlocked round-table discussion in the Okuama community hall over the kidnapped youth.
The source reiterated, “We were coming back to our boats after the unfruitful discussion to release the kidnapped victim of Okoloba community. Suddenly, there were rains of bullets coming from all directions and some of us managed to escape. Many people were killed during the ambush, including a former honourable member from Okoloba community, who reported the matter to the JTF.
“But, the commander and other officers were held hostage and taken to an unknown destination towards the creek opposite the community”, he said.
The source revealed that, twenty-two military men had been firmed dead at Okuama community and among them are one Lt coloniel, 2 majors, One Captain and eighteen soldiers.
Meanwhile, the lifeless body of the kidnapped youth, Mr Anthony Aboh, had been recovered floating on River Forcados.
Another source from Okoloba community said, “We found the lifeless body of Mr Anthony Aboh floating on River Forcados near Ayakoromo community, and like other victims, he was blindfolded with hands tied behind his back”.
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.
