President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Nigerian army to hold accountable those responsible for the tragic killing of 16 soldiers during a peacekeeping mission in Nigeria’s southern Delta state.
The soldiers were deployed to quell clashes between the Okuama and Okoloba communities, arising from disputes over land and fishing rights in the oil-rich region. However, they were ambushed by youths from one of the communities, as confirmed by the army.
President Tinubu denounced the attack, describing it as a direct assault on the nation. He pledged that those culpable would face repercussions for their actions.
“The cowardly perpetrators behind this atrocious act will face justice,” asserted President Tinubu.
Granting full authority to the defence headquarters and chief of defence staff, Tinubu urged swift action to ensure justice for the fallen soldiers and civilian victims.
An ongoing inquiry has resulted in several arrests related to the incident, including individuals implicated in the killing of a commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and a dozen soldiers.
Additionally, reports surfaced of parts of the affected community being set on fire by unidentified groups, leading villagers to flee due to concerns of retaliatory attacks from the military.
Army spokesperson Brig Gen Tukur Gusau affirmed the prioritization of retrieving arms and weapons taken from the deceased soldiers, although he was unaware of the latest occurrence.
