Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called for restraints by the military authorities, following the killing of 16 soldiers in Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, while on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State, were allegedly attacked by community youths who killed 16 soldiers on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
It was gathered that the incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call over a communal clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities.
The reinforcement team led by the Commanding Officer was also attacked, which led to the death of the Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 Soldiers.
Reacting to the gruesome killing, Atiku, said there was no justification for the dastardly act.
“The brutal killing of over a dozen Nigerian soldiers in Okuama in the Ughelli South Local Government Area and Okolaba in the Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State stands condemned,” Atiku said in a statement on X.
“There can never be a justification for a premeditated killing of soldiers on a legitimate assignment.
“Even as we grieve the loss of these soldiers, who are not only Nigerians but have families and dependants, I urge restraints by the military authorities in its response.”
Atiku recommended that the culprits be arrested and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, in a statement on Sunday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has gave the Nigerian military full authority to bring those behind the Thursday killing of 12 soldiers and four army officers to justice.
The president vowed that his government will not rest until peace and tranquillity is achieved in every part of the country.
He added that The incident, once again, demonstrates the dangers faced by servicemen and women in the line of duty.
Labour Party presidential candidate at last year’s polls, Peter Obi, in a post on X, appealed to the security agencies to be considerate and avoid transferring their anger to hapless members of the community.
He posited that reprisal arson attacks on the community cannot compensate for the original wrong of the killing of the soldiers.
