The Defence Headquarters has reported that 15 military members died during a clash between communities in Delta State.
These members include two Majors, one Captain, and 12 soldiers.
They were killed while responding to a distress call during a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State on Thursday.
According to a statement by Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, the troops were on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi LGA and were attacked and killed by some community youths.
The commanding officer leading the reinforcement team was also killed in the clash.
The troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State were surrounded and killed by some community youths during a peace mission to OKUOMA community in BOMADI LGA of Delta State in response to a distress call after a communal crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.
The reinforcement team led by the Commanding officer was also attacked, resulting in the death of the Commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 Soldiers.
Gusau stated that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, had ordered an investigation into the matter.
He also mentioned that the matter had been reported to the state government.
Gusau, however, mentioned that some suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.
He stated, “CDS 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 are in place to unravel the motive behind the attack. Additional details later.”
In January 2024, six people were killed and many others sustained bullet wounds in a shootout due to a land dispute between two communities.
In 2023, the two communities were reported to have also fought over land and a fishing lake.
