The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has issued a stern warning to traditional rulers in the state, cautioning them against shielding suspects involved in the killing of 17 military personnel in Okuama Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area. Governor Oborevwori delivered this warning during a meeting with traditional rulers at the State Traditional Rulers’ Council Secretariat in Asaba, addressing the unfortunate incident that occurred recently.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta State, Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, also emphasized that his troops would remain in the creeks until the suspects were apprehended and the weapons of the killed soldiers were recovered.
The incident, which resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 17 military personnel, transpired during a communal clash over a land dispute in Bomadi and Okuoma communities in Delta State. The personnel from the 181 Amphibious Battalion were responding to a distress call when they were ambushed and killed on March 14, 2024.
Following the killings, many residents of Okuama and Okolaba communities fled their homes, as soldiers took control of the area and reportedly set some houses ablaze in response to the attack. The bodies of the deceased military men, some of which were found with severed heads and missing vital organs, were recovered by soldiers of the Joint Task Force under the supervision of Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdussalam.
Governor Oborevwori condemned the killings, describing them as barbaric, inhumane, and unacceptable. He vowed that those responsible for the heinous act would face the full force of the law and stressed that no kingdom should shield the perpetrators. The governor emphasized that Delta State operates within the principles of the rule of law and human decency.
Governor Oborevwori further reiterated that the state would not tolerate such acts of violence, emphasizing that such incidents had never occurred in Delta State before. He urged the traditional rulers not to hide or shield anyone involved in the attack, warning that connivance with the perpetrators would not be tolerated.
The governor’s warning underscores the seriousness with which the Delta State government is approaching the issue, highlighting the need for cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure that justice is served and that such acts of violence are not repeated in the future.
