The governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, cautioned traditional leaders in the state against protecting suspects connected to the murder of four military officers and 13 soldiers in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area.
Oborevwori issued the warning during a meeting with traditional leaders at the State Traditional Rulers’ Council Secretariat in Asaba regarding the incident.
Oborevwori emphasized that no community should shield the individuals responsible for the heinous act, affirming that Delta is governed according to the principles of the rule of law and human decency.
He stated, “On the 7th of February, we gathered the people of Okoloba and Okuoma communities in Bomadi and Ughelli South Local Government Areas, as well as the members representing the two constituencies in the State House of Assembly, the Council Chairmen, and their Presidents-General. We advised them about the ongoing events in their area and they committed to a peace agreement.
“The killing of these Army Officers and soldiers was extremely surprising to us and after it occurred, I immediately contacted the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Army Staff while I was in Abuja. Upon my return, I issued a press statement.
“On Monday, I travelled to Bomadi to meet with all the security chiefs, and we held a security council meeting where I received updates from the Brigade Commander. The G.O.C 6 Division Nigeria Army, Maj Gen Jamil Abdussalam, and the JTF Commander, Real Admiral John Okeke were also in attendance.
“After the meeting, I went to Abuja to meet with the President to brief him on the situation. I also visited the Chief of Army Staff to discuss with him, as well as the National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police.
“I believed it was important to also brief you all, although you may already be aware. Those responsible for that evil deed must be held accountable. No community should shield those criminals because Delta State is governed by the principles of the law and human decency.
“We cannot tolerate this. It has never occurred in this state before; to kill one Lt. Colonel, two Majors, one Captain, and 13 Soldiers. We need to identify those involved.
“Do not conceal or protect anyone. The Chief of Army Staff and the President have assured me that innocent individuals will not be punished; unless you collude with the killers of the soldiers.
“I have briefed you and ensured that you uncover them in your communities. If any traditional ruler protects a criminal, that traditional ruler is asking for trouble.
“We did not anticipate this evil act, but rather peace. I do not want a crisis. I have also received information that two other villages are on the brink of conflict, they should not fight, we desire peace in all our communities.
“What are they fighting for? I have assured you all that I will do more for the people of Delta, so what are they fighting for? We are all Deltans and we want progress.
“For the first time in nearly two decades, we experienced peace in Warri in December, and people celebrated peacefully. Now we have a communal crisis, why?
“I denounce it, and it’s not acceptable. So, dear royal fathers, let's work together to find these people. Don’t allow anyone who did this bad thing to come to your kingdoms and cause problems to your community.
“Tell us, and we will give them to security agencies. Don't involve politics in this. Don't say the Army has taken over your village because they wouldn't come without information. But I promise that no innocent person will be punished.
“Tell your people not to promote conflict because if you do, you can't get out of it. Some people don't know what's happening and they start talking. What I did was to go and inform the Commander in Chief and later gave an interview to the State House Correspondents.”
Responding, Chairman Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, (retd.), said that they were aligned with the governor to ensure peace and security in the state.
While stating that the security of various kingdoms would align with the security of the state and the nation, he called for a judicial panel of inquiry to uncover the immediate and underlying cause of the crisis.
