The Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State has been razed following the tragic killing of sixteen soldiers.
According to sources, there are strong allegations that the act may have been perpetrated by angry soldiers seeking revenge for the loss of their colleagues.
The manhunt for the killers is currently underway, with the soldiers, led by Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding 6 division Nigerian Army, making several arrests in connection with the incident.
Due to the fear of retaliation from the patrolling soldiers, residents of the coastal community have fled to neighboring Ughelli.
On Saturday morning, soldiers from the joint task force, under the supervision of Major General Jamal Abdussalam, recovered the lifeless bodies of fourteen slain soldiers at Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Reports from Channels Television suggest that some of the recovered corpses were beheaded, while others had their stomachs and hearts ripped out.
At the NDDC jetty in the coastal Delta community, the bodies of the commanding officer and the two killed majors were found floating by the river bank, while others were discovered on land.
In response to the tragic killing of four senior officers and 12 soldiers, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
It was revealed that the military personnel had responded to a distress call concerning a communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State before they were ambushed and killed on March 1
Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday. He stated that the victims were surrounded by community youths when troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion were on a peace mission in the Bomadi Local Government Area of the state.
“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 statement read.
“The reinforcement team led by the commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the deaths of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers.
Arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and the Defence Information spokesperson reiterated the military’s commitment to maintaining peace and security throughout the country.
“The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime. The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Government.
“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 being taken to uncover the motive behind the attack.”