The Nigerian Army has denied engaging in reprisal attacks on the Okuama community in Delta State following the tragic killing of 17 soldiers there last Thursday. The military however admitted it has rounded up about 20 suspects in connection to the attacks.
A community leader speaking on conditions of anonymity to journalists at Okuama said soldiers were indiscriminately shooting at people and burning houses and that the scene was reminiscent of events at Odi, in Bayelsa State in 1999.
“If it involves targeted arrests, nobody will complain about it, but mass killings are unacceptable. Soldiers entering a community and opening fire is a terrible act,” said the community leader.
Some reports emerged suggesting that soldiers deployed in Okuama burned houses in angry reprisal for the murder of their 17 colleagues as residents fled.
Army Publish Names and Pictures of Slain Soldiers
On Monday, Defence Headquarters released the names of the slain soldiers including Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi Hassan Ali, Major DE Obi and Major Gembu Shafa. It expressed determination to bring the culprits to justice even as it promised to hold itself to the rules of engagement and human rights principles.
As tensions persist in Okuama, such a measured and lawful message from the military is crucial to prevent further escalation and restore order to the edgy communities.
Army Declare 3-Days of Mourning
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Armed Forces have commenced a three-day national mourning period for the 17 soldiers killed in the Okuama attack.
In honour of the “fallen heroes“, says the army, flags will be flown at half-mast across all military formations nationwide from March 18th to March 20th, 2024, as a solemn gesture of respect and sorrow.
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