Many Soldiers Killed During Peace Mission in Delta |Omohglobalnews

Temitope Hassan

16 officers of the Nigerian Army have been killed during community clash in Delta State.

The officers and personnel of the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army on a peace mission to Okuoma community in the Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta were killed on Thursday during an ambush by some residents of warring communities in the state.

Those killed were the commanding officer, two majors, one captain and 12 soldiers.

Acting director, defence information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, made this known on Saturday in Abuja.

He stated that the troops were ambushed and killed while responding to a distress call arising from a clash between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta.

He noted that the commanding officer who led the reinforcement team was among those killed in the clash.

The statement read, “The troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State While on a peace mission to OKUOMA community in BOMADI LGA of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March 2024. The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.

“The reinforcement team led by the Commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the Commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 Soldiers.”

Gusau added that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, had ordered a probe into the matter.

He also noted that the matter had been reported to the state government.

Gusau, however, said some suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.

He said, “CDS has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime. The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Govt.

“However, the military remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country. So far, a few arrests have been made while steps are in place to unravel the motive behind the attack. Additional details later.”

In January 2024, six persons were killed while many others sustained bullet wounds in the shootout which occurred as a result of a land dispute between two communities.

In 2023, the two communities were reported to have also engaged in a fight over a land and fishing lake.