Details have emerged on how Ijaw youths in Okuama community, Bomadi Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State abducted, beheaded and killed 15 soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
The dead soldiers include the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion Oleh and the Major Gembu Shafa, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander in Bomadi.
Sources also confirmed that the recovered bodies of the 14 soldiers who were killed on Thursday arrived NNDC Jetty on Friday evening.
The source also confirmed that some of the soldiers were beheaded by the armed youths.
According to the source: “Yes, I can confirm the abduction and killing of the military personnel by suspected youths of Okuama community and that the bodies of the 14 gallant soldiers arrived the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Jetty. These are part of the bodies that have been recovered so far.
“What happened is the gruesome abduction and killing of soldiers who were carrying out their lawful duties of bringing peace to their fatherland. Some of the corpses were beheaded and I can also confirm that the recovered bodies include that of the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion Oleh and that of the Bomadi JTF Commander, Major Gembu Shafa.
“The search for other personnel who were abducted in the ambush is still ongoing at the Okuama community and its environs.”
Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said in a statement that the gallant soldiers died while on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi Local Government Area (LGA) where they were attacked and killed by some community youths.
According to the statement: “The troops of 181 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 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.”
Gusau added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had ordered a probe into the incident, adding that the killings have been reported to the Delta State government.
General Gusau, who stated that some suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, 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.”