The Delta community where 15 Military Personnel were killed on Thursday has been razed, Channels Television is reporting.
KogiOnlineNg has reported that the Nigerian Military confirmed the killing of the Personell in a statement on Saturday.
According to Channels Television, the Okuama coastal community where the killing of the soldiers took place was razed Sunday morning.
It is not clear who razed the houses in the community or if anyone died from it but the television station reported that residents have fled to the neighbouring Ughelli community for fear of reprisals by soldiers.
Tukur Gusau, a brigadier general and spokesperson of the Nigerian military, had in his Saturday statement said the military would investigate and bring the culprits to book.
He did not indicate that the military would conduct reprisals on the community as was done during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration (1999-2007) when the military destroyed communities in Odi and Zaki Biam for killing soldiers.
Delta Government Condemns Killing
Hours after the military’s statement, the Delta Government also confirmed the killing of the soliders and vowed to work with authorities to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, in a statement by his spokesperson, Festus Ahon, condoled with the military and the families of the slain soldiers.
Mr. Ahon said the Delta Government is gravely disturbed by the violence and unprovoked killing of the soldiers.
“This incident is despicable and not in sync with the culture and tradition of Deltans. It runs contrary to the values and path of peace that the State Government is promoting as I have always emphasized in our MORE agenda to enhance peace and security.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Delta State, I wish to condole, in particular, the families of the killed gallant officers and soldiers, the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general, over this sad occurrence.
“The State Government shall take all measures necessary to fish out all those behind this dastardly act and ensure they are made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Delta State is governed within the tenets of the rule of law and human decency. Acts such as this incident cannot and will not be tolerated.
“Meanwhile, all citizens and residents of the state are enjoined to remain law- abiding and the State Government shall continue to take all measures to protect lives and property in Delta State.”
Tinubu Grants Army Authority To Bring Perpetrators To Justice
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday reacted to the gruesome murder of some Military officers in Okuoma Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
President Tinubu in a statement he personally signed directs the Army to fish out perpetrators of the senseless murders.
Read full statement below:
On Saturday morning, the Nigerian people and I woke up to the dreadful news of the unprovoked killing of our brave military personnel during a rescue mission to Okuoma Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident occurred on Thursday 14 March, 2024 when our troops, responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State were ambushed. A Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain and twelve soldiers sadly lost their lives. One civilian was also killed.
As the Commander-in-Chief, I join all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces to mourn and express my profound grief over the needless death of our gallant soldiers.
I extend my profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues and their loved ones. The military high command is already responding to this incident. The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.
This incident, once again, demonstrates the dangers faced by our servicemen and women in the line of duty. I salute their heroism, courage and uncommon grit and patriotism.
As a nation, we must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep our country safe, strong and united. The officers and men who died in Okuama community have joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all, with honour, in the service of our fatherland.
Members of our armed forces are at the heart and the core of our nationhood.
Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act.
The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.
My Government will not relent until we achieve peace and tranquillity in every part of Nigeria.
May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep the members of our armed forces safe.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
17th March, 2024.
