By Eric Elezuo

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the killing of it personnel comprising a Commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers by youths in Delta State While on peace keeping mission in Okuama Community.

The Military made the confirmation via a statement signed by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.

The statement acknowledged that the soldiers were surrounded in an ambush while responding to a distress call relating to communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities of Delta State. The incident occurred on Thursday.

The statement in details:

SITUATION REPORT ON THE ATTACK AND KILLING OF MILITARY PERSONNEL ON PEACE MISSION BY OKUAMA COMMUNITY.

The troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State while on 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.

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 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 in place to unravel the motive behind the attack. Additional details later.