Delta bloodbath: Help fish out culprits, DHQ urges state govt, others

The Defence Headquarters has called on the Delta State Government and residents of the Okuoma community to assist in fishing out those behind the murder of military personnel in the community.

A total of 17 military personnel were killed by irate youths during a communal clash over a land dispute in Bomadi and Okuoma communities in the state.

The personnel attached to the 181 Amphibious Battalion were responding to a distress call when they were ambushed and killed last Thursday.

In a statement on Friday, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward stated that the whereabouts of the preparators of the crime should not be concealed.

He added that the state government and members of the community should see the call as a clarion call.

The statement partly read, “Accordingly, the state government and host communities of these personalities are required to assist the investigation in fishing out the perpetrators of the crime.

“There can be no hiding place for perpetrators of such dastardly acts against our nation. This is a clarion call to duty for members of this community and the state government.”

Buba said the viral video of a man admitting to having been involved in the crime would help the military narrow investigations to persons of interest.

He said, “Significantly, there is a viral video of a person admitting to have perpetrated the killings of the soldier in Delta State. The video, among other things, helps to narrow investigations to persons of interest and their cohorts.”
Buba, however, said clearance operations were ongoing to recover weapons stolen from the slain soldiers.

Buba, however, said no significant arrests had been made.

He said, “Troops have continued a manhunt for the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of 18 soldiers that occurred on 14 Mar 2024. Accordingly, clearance operations as well as cordon and search were conducted to, among other things, recover the weapons of the deceased soldiers.

“Some of the communities in which troops operate include Akugbene, Ukuama, and Okoloba Communities in Ugheli and Ugheli South of Delta State. Others are Ukuama Amusamo, Akwagbe, Arhavwarien, Pirigbene, and Igbomatoro Communities, all in Delta State.

“The decomposing hearts of some of the killed soldiers were recovered during the search, while the manhunt continues with no significant arrest yet made.”

On the successes of the military recorded in the last one week, Buba said troops killed 106 terrorists and arrested 103.

He said, “Across theatres of operation in the country. Troops during the week neutralised 106 terrorists and made 103 arrests. Troops also arrested 22 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 96 kidnapped hostages.

“In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N754,149,600.00 only. Furthermore, troops recovered 171 assorted weapons and 2,452 assorted ammunition.”

According to the officer, the pension amount, which is for life, will be determined by the incumbent governor, adding “on death, the state government will pay the family an amount equal to the deceased annual salary. All these are at the expense of the government.”