The Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State lies in ruins following a devastating rampage that ensued after the brutal killing of sixteen soldiers. Amidst allegations suggesting the involvement of enraged soldiers in the violent reprisal, the community has witnessed widespread destruction and chaos.
Led by Major General Jamal Abdussalam, soldiers from the 6 Division Nigerian Army are conducting an extensive manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators, with several arrests already made. Residents of the coastal community have fled to neighboring Ughelli, fearing retaliation from the soldiers who have intensified patrols in the creeks.
The tragedy unfolded when troops responded to a distress call amidst a communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State. However, they were ambushed by community youths, resulting in the tragic deaths of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and twelve soldiers.
Confirming the incident, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Acting Director of Defence Information, emphasized that the military remains resolute in maintaining peace and security. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has ordered a comprehensive probe into the killings, with a focus on unmasking the culprits responsible for the heinous crime.
As investigations continue and arrests are made, the devastated Okuama community grapples with the aftermath of the violence, while the broader implications of this tragedy reverberate across Delta State. Amidst the rubble and grief, questions linger about the motives behind the attack and the prospects for reconciliation in a region fraught with communal tensions
