Shortly after the deaths of at least 16 soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Army in Okuoma community of Delta, the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, went to see President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.
Oborevwori told reporters at the State House after the meeting that the situation is being handled, promising Nigerians that there will be no more attacks.
However, he refused to confirm reported retaliation from the military and the number of casualties, stating that he is unable to discuss such issues as it is an ongoing security matter.
Oborevwori mentioned that he met with the security leaders in Bomadi on Monday but has not yet met members of the community involved as they are currently scattered and not easily found.
At least 16 Nigerian soldiers were killed while on a peace-keeping mission to ease conflicts between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
A Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, 12 soldiers, and one civilian died in the attack on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
Channels Television reported late on Saturday that 15 bodies of the soldiers were found by soldiers of the Joint Task Force under the direction of General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam.
In response to the situation, Tinubu pledged retaliation, stating, “The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.”
The response was titled ‘Statement on the killing of Nigerian soldiers on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Delta State.’
While acknowledging that the military high command is already addressing the incident, Tinubu gave new instructions for the search and prosecution of the perpetrators, saying, “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.”
Details shortly…
