THE Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has said 15 military personnel were killed during a communal clash in Delta State.
A statement on Saturday, March 16, by the Director, Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, a Brigadier General, listed the personnel to include two Majors, one Captain, and 12 soldiers.
The officers were said to have been killed by some youths while the troops were on a peace mission to the Okuoma community in Bomadi Local Government Area (LGA).
According to reports, Okuoma and Okoloba communities had on January 27, 2024, locked horns, leading to the death of about three persons, with the recent bloody clash, on Thursday, March 14, left many residents homeless and injured.
Read Also:
Asari Dokubo accuses Nigeria’s military of massive oil theft in Niger Delta
Responding to the distress call, Gusau said the commanding officer who led the reinforcement team was among those killed in the clash.
The statement read, “The troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, 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.”
While noting that the matter had been reported to the state government, he said the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, had ordered a probe into the matter.
Gusau further stressed that some suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.
He said, “CDS has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime. The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Govt.
“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. Additional details later.”
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: [email protected]. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M