Akpabio suggests killers of soldiers in Delta may be mercenaries

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has suggested that the killers of 16 soldiers in Delta State may be mercenaries.

On Thursday, 14 March 2024, 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.

According to reports, the incident happened 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.

Speaking on Tuesday during a debate on two merged motions, Akpabio said he does not believe that the culprits are from Niger Delta, because of the respect people from the region give men and women in uniform.

“We are not at war, even in the field of war to lose such number of personnel, no community will go to the extent of doing this kind of thing. I don’t think they are from Niger Delta,” Akpabio said.

Akpabio stated that the first point should be to first establish the culprits who committed the crime.

“We must take it seriously, supposing they are not from Niger Delta? supposing they are not even Nigerians? We will now come and talk of giving relieve materials to people that have killed. People should stand up for the consequences of their crime we don’t support relief materials.”

The former Akwa Ibom governor noted that efforts must be made to reduce the involvement of the military in internal security so that police can do their work.

“This has happened, while we condemn it we must as a senate set up a committee to do proper investigation and then of course come up with recommendations particularly to ensure that the culprits are brought to book.

“Then we find a way to console the families and then also console the leadership of the Armed Forces of the country.”

On Sunday President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement, gave the Nigerian military full authority to bring the culprits to justice.

Tinubu 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.