DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS DENIES EMBARKING ON REPRISAL ATTACKS ON OKUAMA COMMUNITY, PLEDGES TO UPHOLD RULE OF LAW

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The defence headquarters has denied claims that the military embarked on reprisal attacks in Okuama Community in Delta state following the attack and killing of its personnel on a peace mission in the state. 

Recall that on Thursday 14th March 2024, troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State while on peace mission to OkUOMA community in BOMADI LGA of Delta State were surrounded and killed by some community youths after the troops responded to a distress call resulting from a communal clash between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in the state. 

The unprovoked attack on the troops led to the death of the commanding officer, 2 Majors, 1 Captain and 12 personnel of the battalion.

Following the incident, rumours have been making the rounds of plots of a reprisal attack by troops of the Nigerian army on residents of the community.

Reacting to the rumours in a statement on Monday, the director defence media operations Major General Edward Buba said "the armed forces being a disciplined force that complies with rules of engagement, laws of armed conflict and the respect for human rights would not be led by emotions, but by the rule of law in handling the situation. He said, "the military assures that there would be measured  responses and injurious consequences for the perpetrators of these dastardly act. Nevertheless, the armed forces being a disciplined force that complies with rules of engagement, laws of armed conflict and the respect for human rights would be tempered by these provisions. We would not be led by emotions, but by the rule of law.

He noted that the community was desertered even before troops arrived the scene.

The defence spokesman further called on "those involved in peddling these misinformation, disinformation and fake news that the military had embarked on reprisal attacks on the community following the incident, should desist from further dishonouring our fallen heroes. Rather, it behooves on the community leaders, elders and even the people of Delta State to assist investigation to identify  the perpetrators of the dastardly act so that they can be held accountable for their actions."

"Furthermore, it must be noted that the dispute between Okuama and Okoloba   communities remains unresolved. It therefore implies that there could be untoward activities not initiated by the military."

Major general Edward Buba also urged members of the public to mourn and honour the fallen heroes by resisting the temptation of allowing any videos of the killed personnel from going viral. Their loved ones are still alive  even though they have died protecting our country and its citizens. 

The military high command once again expressed the armed forces unwavering commitment to ensure safety and security of citizens across the country from every form of criminality.