The Okuama community in Delta state has received a stern warning from the Nigerian Army, stating that they must be prepared to face the full consequences of their actions.

This warning comes in response to the killing of soldiers who were on a peaceful and mediating mission, attempting to resolve a communal clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities.

In a statement released by Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, the Army strongly criticized the community for resorting to propaganda instead of actively identifying and apprehending the culprits.

The statement expressed, “The unfortunate killing of troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army (NA), while engaged in a peaceful and mediating mission after a reported case of communal clash between Okuama and Okoloba Communities in Ughelli South and Bomadi LGAs of Delta State, is not only deplorable but should be universally condemned.”

“These were troops dedicated to ensuring peace and security for all individuals, both citizens and non-citizens alike, in the Niger Delta Region. They were brutally murdered in cold blood by an armed youth gang from the Okuama Community, in a manner that was extremely gruesome, heartless, and cruel. The perpetrators even went so far as to desecrate their remains by removing their hearts, an act that defies all moral and ethical boundaries.”

“Regrettably, instead of cooperating and assisting in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice, the community has chosen to engage in media propaganda and deceit. This behavior only serves to indicate that the murder of the troops was a premeditated attack orchestrated by the community against legitimate forces.”

“The falsehoods being spread by these criminals and their associates in an attempt to manipulate public sentiment and cover up or justify their outrageous criminal acts should be completely disregarded. These attempts are nothing more than a feeble and absurd endeavor to escape accountability. The community members involved are complicit and must be prepared to face the full consequences of their actions under the law.”

“While law-abiding citizens can rest assured that there will be no retaliatory actions from the troops, we urge everyone to continue their normal activities. At the same time, intensified efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the criminals responsible for these atrocious deeds.”

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Toareed Lagbaja, extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the officers and soldiers who lost their lives. He has directed that every possible measure be taken to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous acts are apprehended and brought to justice. Our troops are resolute in their determination to apprehend these criminals, and they will find no place to hide.”