Delta State Government Condemns Killing of Soldiers In Okuama Community

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has condemned the killing of officers and soldiers from the 63 Brigade in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.

The Chief Press Secretary the governor, Sir Festus Ahon in a press statement said the government of Delta State was “deeply disturbed by the violence and senseless killings of these officers and soldiers”.

He emphasized that such acts do not align with the values and traditions of the people of Delta.

Sheriff Oborevwori said the state government was committed to promoting peace and security.

The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the “brave officers and soldiers” who lost their lives, even as he expressed his sympathies to the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces as a whole regarding “this tragic incident”.

He stressed that Delta State upholds the principles of the rule of law and human decency, warning that such acts, namely the killing of the troops, will not be tolerated.

Governor Oborevwori also urged all citizens and residents of the state to abide by the law, underscoring the ongoing efforts of the state government in taking necessary measures to safeguard lives and property within Delta State.

Early on Saturday morning, soldiers from the joint task force, under the supervision of Major-General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, recovered the bodies of sixteen deceased soldiers in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The troops were responding to a distress call stemming from a communal crisis between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities within Delta State. Still, on arrival, they were set upon by a group of community youths, leading to a violent confrontation that claimed the lives of several military personnel.

Meanwhile, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has ordered an investigation into the deaths of the four senior officers and 12 soldiers.