A violent clash erupted between soldiers on a peace mission and irate youths in Okuama and Okoloba communities, both located in Delta State, resulting in numerous casualties.
According to reports by BIGPEN NIGERIA, a commanding officer, two majors, and 13 soldiers were among the casualties in the conflict. The soldiers were deployed for a peacekeeping mission to quell the ongoing communal crisis between the two warring communities in Ughelli South and Bomadi Local Government Areas of Delta State.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, confirmed the tragic incident, stating that the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, has ordered an immediate investigation and arrest of all those involved in the killings.
The clash occurred when troops responded to a distress call amid the communal crisis, only to be surrounded and attacked by youths from the Okuama community. Subsequently, a reinforcement team led by the commanding officer also came under attack, resulting in further casualties.
In response to accusations from the vice president general of the Okuama community, David Akata, alleging invasion by the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Gusau reiterated the military’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the country.
However, Akata claimed that armed men in military uniforms carried out a genocide on the Okuama community, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and leaving several others injured.
The crisis escalated on January 27, 2024, following the gruesome murder of three individuals, identified as Igho Meshack, Godspower Awusa, and Okiemute Agbabuleke, sparking heightened tensions between the two communities.
As the situation unfolds, authorities are working to apprehend those responsible for the violence and restore peace to the affected communities.
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