At least 16 soldiers have been confirmed dead during a peace mission to Okuoma community in the Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta, Southern Nigeria, on Thursday.
The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, made this known in a statement on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
According to him, those killed were the commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers.
He stated that the troops were ambushed and killed while responding to a distress call arising from a clash between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta.
He also noted that the commanding officer who led the reinforcement team was among those killed in the clash.
The statement read, “The troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State While on a 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.”
Gusau further mentioned that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, had initiated an investigation into the incident.
Additionally, he highlighted that the matter had been formally reported to the state government.
Despite this, Gusau confirmed that several suspects had already been apprehended in connection with the unfortunate incident.
He said, “CDS 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 are in place to unravel the motive behind the attack. Additional details later.”
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