The autonomous community of Okuama, Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Area of Delta State has been tragically devastated, with reports of 16 soldiers and numerous civilians, including children, losing their lives in the midst of an inter-communal crisis.
In a distressing turn of events, angry soldiers carried out a destructive act on Friday, leaving Okuama community in ruins following the reported deaths of the soldiers who were on a mission.
The rampage resulted in the loss of several innocent lives, with the tragic discovery of numerous bodies floating along the River Forcados in Ughelli South, Burutu and Bomadi Local Government Areas adding to the somber situation.
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The destruction of Okuama community on Friday was a response to the alleged killing of soldiers who were purportedly on a rescue mission to the area.
According to a reliable source, the conflict began escalating on Thursday when soldiers, accompanied by fighters from the neighbouring Okoloba community, donning military attire, descended on Okuama with demands concerning the President General and the youth Chairman.
A community leader in Okuama revealed to journalists that a former NIMASA official, who holds significant influence in the opposing Okoloba community, allegedly provided the military with eight million naira to instigate this tragic chain of events.
He explained, “The Army’s statement contains falsehoods; here’s the truth. On Thursday, two soldiers accompanied by numerous youths from Okoloba, dressed in military gear and wearing hoods, forcibly entered Okuama.
Upon reaching the town hall, they demanded to see the President General and the youth Chairman. The Okuama youths recognized many of the hooded individuals as belonging to Okoloba, some being members of the Okoloba Vigilante group, and resisted their demands.
As they departed, they tried to destroy the Community shrine, but the youths stood their ground in opposition. Upon reaching their boats, ostensibly to leave, they suddenly opened fire, resulting in the death of two youths.
In response, the youths returned fire, leading to casualties on both sides. One of them admitted that a prominent figure had provided eight million naira to the soldiers for the operation. That’s the truth of what occurred.
“On Friday, the soldiers, accompanied by twelve Gunboats, arrived to burn down our community. Initially, there were five gunboats, later joined by seven more military vessels. It’s worth noting that many of those presumed to be deceased soldiers were Okoloba boys dressed in military attire,” he elaborated.
Contradicting the accounts, the Nigerian Army issued a press release on Saturday, stating that sixteen soldiers, including four senior officers and fourteen junior personnel, were ambushed and killed.
Brigadier General Tukut Gusua, Acting Director of Defence Information, released a statement detailing the tragic events that unfolded in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.
He stated, “On Thursday, March 14, 2024, troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion, on a peacekeeping mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State, were surrounded and killed by a group of community youths.
“This unfortunate incident occurred as the troops responded to a distress call stemming from the communal conflict between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.
“The reinforcement team, under the command of the Commanding Officer, was also ambushed, resulting in the tragic loss of the Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 soldiers.
“General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has ordered an immediate investigation and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime. The incident has been reported to the Delta State Government.
“Despite this setback, the military remains resolute in its commitment to upholding peace and security within the nation. Several arrests have been made thus far, and efforts are underway to uncover the motives behind the attack. Further details will be provided in due course,” he concluded.
A local source verified that numerous deceased individuals were observed floating along River Forcados toward the Ayakoromor community area in Burutu Local Government Area.
“This morning, a significant number of deceased individuals were spotted floating along the river towards the Ayakoromor community; the sight is quite distressing,” he remarked.
However, another source questioned why the bodies discovered near the Ayakoromor community were automatically linked to the Okuama community.
“During times of crisis, it is imperative for you, as journalists, to exercise caution. Why should the presence of corpses near the Ayakoromor river be immediately associated with Okuama? There may be deeper complexities at play in this situation,” he pondered.
