CDS Orders Manhunt For Killers Of Nigerian Troops
Abdule Sule, Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa has ordered a thorough manhunt for killers of over 15 Nigerian soldiers who were ambushed by local militiamen during a peace mission in Okoloba community in Delta.
Findings by The Beagle News revealed that the troops, comprising officers and soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion,Bomadi,Local Government Area, were gunned down on Thursday while returning to their base after a futile attempt to resolve a communal clash between neighbouring Okuama and Okoloba communities in Ugheli,Delta state.
Sources confided in The Beagle News that the soldiers arrived the community following a distress call 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 communities.
It was gathered that the moves to settle the dispute and rescue the abducted youth were unsuccessful and the soldiers decided to return to their base.
And on their way back to the waterfront after a deadlocked round-table discussion at Okuoma community hall, the armed men ambushed the military, opening fire from all directions.
A source at the Battalion told THE BEAGLE NEWS that over 26 soldiers were killed in the process while their multilated bodies have been recovered with vital organs missing.
Those confirmed dead include the former honourable member from Okoloba community, who reported the matter to the JTF,n one Lt Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and eighteen soldiers.
Following the ugly incident, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has directed a thorough investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime.
A statement by the acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier Gen. Tukur Gusau, read in part: "The troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, 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,” it said.
According to the statement, "the military is committed to maintaining peace and security in the country,” admitting that “a few arrests have been made while steps in place to unravel the motive behind the attack.”
Meanwhile, villagers have fled the community following a reprisal attack from the Army. Reports said most buildings in the village have been razed down.
