The Nigerian Senate has called for a thorough investigation into the brutal killing of 17 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Okuoma Community, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.
The victims, comprising four military officers and 13 soldiers, were attacked by unidentified hoodlums last Thursday while on a peacekeeping mission.
During a session held in honor of the deceased military personnel from the 181 Amphibious Battalion, the Senate observed a minute of silence. However, a motion to extend the tribute to civilian casualties was rejected. Senate President Godswill Akpabio suggested that the perpetrators may be mercenaries from outside the Niger Delta, emphasizing that such violence does not align with the character of the Niger Delta people.
Akpabio stated, “Let us carry out a thorough investigation to determine whether these people are mercenaries from outside the Niger Delta who came to commit this crime because I don’t think these people are Niger Deltans.” He emphasized the need to identify the culprits responsible for the crime before considering relief measures for the affected communities, as they may not even be from the Niger Delta region or Nigeria.
The Senate passed resolutions urging the Federal Government to apprehend the killers and ensure justice is served. Additionally, they called for the recruitment and training of more policemen to alleviate the burden on the military in handling internal security matters.
In a separate meeting, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori met with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the incident. The Delta State Government condemned the killings and assured that the perpetrators would be apprehended and face the full consequences of the law. Governor Oborevwori stated that the situation was under control and that further attacks would be prevented.
The House of Representatives also demanded an investigation by the military authorities into the murder of the 17 military personnel. The lawmakers expressed their condolences and observed a minute of silence to honor the fallen soldiers. The House mandated the Armed Forces of Nigeria to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators and their collaborators to justice.
Some residents of Okuama community, however, blamed the military for the violence, alleging that the soldiers acted aggressively and initiated the exchange of gunfire. The situation in Okuama remains tense, with the military maintaining a presence. Few residents who have stayed behind are reportedly facing challenges accessing food due to the ongoing military presence.
The Urhobo Renaissance Society expressed condolences to the Nigerian Army for the loss of its personnel. The group called for an end to the killing of civilians in the Okuama community and urged an unbiased investigation to uncover the truth behind the violent incident.