The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of its officers who were on a peacekeeping mission to two warring communities in Delta State.
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Those who lost their lives include a Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 12 soldiers.
The Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, confirmed the incident, yesterday.
The soldiers were on a rescue mission to Okuama community to free a hostage, one Mr. Anthony Aboh, allegedly abducted over the lingering land dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities when they were ambushed and killed.
Gusau said: “The troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, while on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State, were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March 2024.
“The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.
“The reinforcement team led by the Commanding Officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, has ordered the immediate arrest and investigation of all those involved in the heinous crime.
“The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Government. 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”, the Defence spokesperson stated.
However, following the killing of soldiers and the consequent invasion of the Okuama community in Ughelli South LGA, more dead bodies were said to have been recovered from River Forcados in Burutu LGA.
Findings by Sunday Vanguard revealed that some of the soldiers, including ranking officers were taken hostage and were later killed. In retaliation, the military reportedly invaded and burned down houses in the community.
However, tension was heightened in Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi council, weekend, when convoys of Military Police, MP, trooped into the JTF command in the early hours of yesterday, with a helicopter hovering around the town.
According to community sources, several bodies were seen floating on River Forcados towards the Ayakoromor community axis in Burutu Local Government Area.
Some of the recovered bodies were brought to Bomadi on speedboat over the weekend with sympathisers weeping at the community waterfront.
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