WAR DECLARED? Tension As Army Tracks Down Militant Leader Behind Killing Of 16 Soldiers; Arrests Delta Community Chairman
Soldiers have tracked down the militant eader purportedly responsible for the recent demise of 16 troops in Okuama, situated in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. The pursuit led them to the riverine settlement of Igbomoturu in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. There, clashes ensued as soldiers encountered resistance from local youths, resulting in casualties among the latter group. Additionally, several properties owned by militants were set ablaze during the operation.
Arriving in seven gunboats, the troops encircled the targeted community, compelling inhabitants to flee into the nearby forest for safety. Furthermore, military forces conducted a raid on Akugbene, a community situated in Bomadi Local Government Area, in pursuit of suspects believed to have sought refuge there.
Subsequently, the community chairman of Akugbene and numerous others were apprehended and transported to Bomadi, the headquarters of the council area. They faced accusations of harboring the fleeing chairman of Okuama community and other suspects.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, paid a visit on Monday to the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian military stationed in Bomadi. The governor’ s presence prompted heightened security measures in the riverside town, with combined security forces deploying armored vehicles strategically and a helicopter conducting surveillance overhead from the early hours of the day.
Upon arrival, Governor Oborevwori proceeded directly to the military base situated on NDDC Road in Bomadi, engaging in a closed- door deliberation lasting over an hour with military authorities.
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Sources indicate that the purpose of the governor’s visit was related to the recent loss of soldiers and the subsequent destruction of the Okuama community. Efforts by Vanguard to obtain comments from the governor regarding his visit were unsuccessful, as he declined to provide a statement.
Meanwhile in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency, has urged for a halt to the military’ s current siege on the Okuama community in Delta State. He stressed that destroying the community is not the answer to the killing of 16 soldiers.
Waive, who leads the House Committee on Rules and Business, expressed his dismay over the killings in the Okuama community, which is part of Ewu Clan in Ughelli South local government area. He called for peace and order in his statement issued yesterday.
He remarked, “I am puzzled by how a community with only a few hundred residents could cause such harm to our military. I wonder if there are fifth columnists and other interests involved. Nevertheless, I believe a thorough, impartial, and professional investigation will solve this puzzle.
“I was deeply shocked by the news of the killings in the Okuama Community of Ewu Clan in Ughelli South LGA (part of my constituency). I urge all parties involved in the conflict to stop fighting and allow peace to prevail.
“I completely condemn the loss of human life and extend my sympathies to affected families and institutions. We cannot afford to regress to primitive times. I am horrified by the reported deaths of our armed forces personnel and demand a comprehensive and imnartial investigation to identify the true culprits.”
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“We should refrain from blaming each other or resorting to violence until a reliable investigation with evidence identifies the killers for prosecution. We hold our armed forces in the highest regard in this country. It is not an acceptable practice to deliberately attack and kill our dedicated officers and soldiers who are on a patriotic mission to protect and defend our territorial integrity, as well as our collective peace and security.
“Over the years, these unnecessary attacks have continued, with the Okuama community consistently being the battleground, implying that they are the ones under attack. If these attacks had been stopped early on, as they should have been, we would not be teetering on the brink of disaster. As tragic and distressing as this situation is, it is a moment for us to reflect as true patriots and as our brothers’ keepers, and to put an end to these relentless violent attacks.
“Reports indicate that the bodies of our fallen military personnel were discovered in the community and on the Forcados River. It is imperative to uncover where they were killed and who is responsible. Those responsible for this heinous act must be identified and punished in accordance with the law.
“The destruction of the Okuama community will not solve the current problems. I urge the military to exercise utmost restraint in their response and to adhere to internationally recognized protocols in the face of this provocation.
“I appeal to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to promptly establish measures to assist those who have been displaced during this challenging period. We must all acknowledge that the land belongs to God; we found it here and will leave it behind when we depart this world. Similarly, human life is sacred, and no one has the right to take another’ s life.
“I call upon the people of the Okuama community to remain calm and work towards ensuring peace prevails. I also urge their neighboring communities to do the same.
“The military authorities, the state government, and the communities should collaborate in the investigations and find lasting solutions to this crisis in accordance with the law and the principles of good conscience.”
