The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the killing of 15 military personnel during a communal clash in Delta State.
According to the Defence, the personnel, consisting of two Majors, one Captain, and 12 soldiers were said to have met their deaths while responding to a distress call during a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State on Thursday.
This was made known in a statement e-signed by the Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Saturday.
It was also gathered that the troops were on a peace mission to the Okuoma community in Bomadi LGA, where they were attacked and killed by some community youths. It added that the commanding officer who led the reinforcement team was among those killed in the clash.
The statement read, “The troops of the 181st 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.”
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.”
