By KEMI KASUMU
The Nigerian Army has declared eight persons wanted in connection with the killing of 17 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Okuama, Delta State.
The Army, in a post made on its official X handle on Thursday, identified the suspects as Prof Ekpekpo Arthur, Reuben Baru, Alevwru Daniel, Akata Malawa David, Andaowe Deniss Bakriri, Igboli Ebi, Sinclear Oliki, and Clements Ikolo Oghenerukevwe.
This online platform earlier reported how the soldiers were ambushed on 14th March 2024 while on a peacekeeping mission in Delta State.
The troops led by Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, also had three other officers and 13 soldiers all of whom were sent to the Okuama Community to mediate in the lingering dispute with another community, the Okoloba Community.
According to the Nigerian Army, the soldiers were caught off guard and lost their lives when they rushed to help after a clash broke out between the Okuama and Okoloba villages in Delta.
“A group of young individuals attacked and fatally injured 16 officers and soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army who were on a peacekeeping assignment in the Okuoma community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta on Thursday.
The individuals who lost their lives included the commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 soldiers,” the Nigerian Army said in a statement.
The statement added that Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has ordered a quick investigation and the apprehension of those responsible for the terrible crime.
Similarly, President Bola Tinubu also ordered the Defense Headquarters (DHQ), and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for the killings.
Tinubu, in the order he personally issued on Sunday, said though “The military high command is already responding to this incident. The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.”
