On Saturday, the military high command pledged to pursue a group of young individuals accused of killing 16 of its personnel from the 181 Amphibious Battalion in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.
The trouble began on Thursday when the troops responded to a distress call concerning a communal conflict between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities. According to Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, the troops were surrounded by armed youths from the community who fatally attacked them.
Gusau, a Brigadier-General, clarified that while on a peacekeeping mission, the troops were reinforced, but this reinforcement team, led by the commanding officer, was also targeted in the assault.
The senior military official reported that the assailants killed the commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 Soldiers. He stated that the incident had been reported to the Delta State government.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has ordered an immediate investigation and the apprehension of those responsible for the violent act.
Gusau remarked, “The troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, were attacked and killed by some community youths on Thursday, March 14, 2024, during a peace mission to Okuoma Community in response to a distress call following the communal crisis between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities in Delta State.”
He continued, “The reinforcement team led by the Commanding officer was also attacked, resulting in the fatalities of the commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 Soldiers. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has instructed an immediate investigation and the apprehension of those involved in the heinous crime. The incident has been reported to the Delta State government.”
Gusau assured, “Nonetheless, the military remains resolute and dedicated to its duty of upholding peace and security in the nation. Some arrests have been made so far, and efforts are underway to uncover the motive behind the attack.”
