In a recent interview on an Arise TV program, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), expressed his appreciation for the decision made by His Royal Majesty Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, the traditional ruler of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Delta State.
The monarch turned himself in to the military after being declared wanted in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers in the Okuama community of Ughelli South Local Government Area.
Gen. Musa commended the monarch’s surrender and urged the remaining seven suspects who were also declared wanted to follow his example. The incident occurred on March 14, 2024, when the officers and soldiers of the 181 Amphibious Battalion were ambushed and killed during a peacekeeping mission in Okuama.
The land dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities has been a longstanding issue since 2023. As a result of the incident, the military declared eight individuals, including the monarch, as wanted. The other suspects are Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Reuben Baru, Igoli Ebi, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono (aka Amagbein), Atata Malaw David, and Sinclair Oliki.
Gen. Musa shed light on the tragic event, revealing that the soldiers entered the community unarmed with the intention of engaging in dialogue. However, the criminals took advantage of the soldiers’ unarmed status and brutally attacked them. The CDS denounced the argument that the police should be solely responsible for arresting and detaining suspects, asserting that the military had the authority granted by President Bola Tinubu to apprehend the suspects and recover missing weapons.
While some individuals, including human rights lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) and former Director of the Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, questioned the military’s involvement in investigating the incident, Gen. Musa maintained that the military was legally deployed and authorized to make arrests and interrogate suspects. He emphasized that the ongoing operations in the community aim to recover weapons and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
Describing the Okuama attack as premeditated, Gen. Musa attributed it to a group of criminals, cultists, and militants involved in crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. He emphasized that the military’s operations in the area are a measured response, aimed at recovering weapons and dismantling the criminal network.
Gen. Musa highlighted the significance of thorough search operations to ensure that no weapons or explosives remain hidden within the community. He emphasized the need to curb illegal activities, including crude oil theft, and restore peace and security to the region.
The military’s efforts in Okuama reflect a commitment to addressing security challenges while upholding the rule of law. As the joint task force comprising members of the armed forces, police, and other security agencies continues its operations, the focus remains on bringing stability to the affected community and preventing further acts of violence.
