The Nigerian Army issued a warning yesterday to the members of the Okuama Community in Delta State to stop their propaganda towards the security force.
The statement was released via the Nigerian Army’s X handle after the security force was asked by President Bola Tinubu to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime which resulted in the killing of soldiers who went on a peace mission to resolve the communal clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Ughelli South and Bomadi LGAs of Delta State, respectively.
The force personnel condemned the attack, stating that the incident indicates that it was an orchestrated attack, and encouraged the people of Okuama community to engage in a positive effort to fish out the perpetrators of this horrific crime.
The statement reads: “The unfortunate killing of troops of the 181st Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army (NA), while on a peaceful and mediatory mission, after a reported case of communal clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Ughelli South and Bomadi LGAs of Delta State, respectively, is not only despicable but should be unreservedly condemned by all.
“These were troops committed to peace and security of lives and property of citizens and non-citizens alike in the Niger Delta Region, murdered in cold blood by an armed youth gang of Okuama Community in the most gruesome, heartless, and cruel manner, and went ahead to sacrilegiously debase their remains by ripping out their hearts by the very people they were there to protect.”
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“Regrettably, the community complicit in this dastardly act has resorted to media propaganda and shenanigans rather than engage in a positive effort to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime. This again is a clear indication that the murder of the troops was a communally orchestrated attack against legitimate forces.
“The falsehood being peddled by these criminals and their cohorts to whip up sentiments and sway the public to cover up, endorse, or support the outrageous criminal acts of their armed youth gang should be disregarded in its entirety.
“It is only a ridiculous attempt at justifying their crime rather than turning in themselves to security agencies. There is no amount of propaganda that would arm-twist the narrative; they are complicit and must be ready to face the wrath of the law,” the statement read.
However, in the statement revealed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, it urged the members of the community to continue their daily business routine:
“While law-abiding citizens are assured that there will be no reprisal on the part of the troops, we enjoin all to go about their normal activities, even as ongoing efforts are scaled up to positively identify and isolate the criminals to account for their atrocious deeds.”
The Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, commiserated with the bereaved families of the officers and soldiers who lost their lives while discharging their duties. He also pledged that all persons involved in the killing would be brought to book, as the army is determined to unearth them from their hideout.
