Delta Community Slaughters Soldiers On Peace Mission, Harvest Vital Organs
By Abdul SULE (Abuja)
Tragedy struck Okuoma community in Ughelli South council area of Delta state as armed men and suspected mercenaries have liked about 20 soldiers said to be on peace mission.
The troops were drawn from the 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi and were on a rescue mission to Okuoma community and possibly 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 and started shooting from all directions and some of them managed to escape.
A source at the Batallion told THE BEAGLE NEWS that over twenty soldiers were killed in the process and some them had their heads cut off and hearts harvested by the assailants while the commander and other officers were held hostage and taken to the creek opposite the community.
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.
Some the military personnel killed were identified as Maj Shafa and Maj Obi just as the lifeless body of the kidnapped Aboh had been recovered floating on River Forcados.
Following the ugly incident, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa has directed the immediate 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 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,” 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.”
