As tension continues to mount over the killing of military officers and soldiers on a peace mission in Okuoma community in Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has met President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Addressing State House Correspondent after the meeting, the governor said the situation is now under control.
He assured that there will be no more attacks.
The governor also stated that he had met with the security heads in Bomadi Local Government Area of his state but was yet to meet with residents of the community involved as the area had been deserted.
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On the number of casualties following reports of reprisal on the community, Governor Oborevwori said that was a security matter.
“Since last year, we have been enjoying peace in Delta state and we commend all security agencies. Mr President assured me that he is in support of the peace and we both condemned the killing of the officers and the soldiers. What is happening now is something that we didn’t bargain for but we want to assure everybody that there would be no more attack on the villages if there is anyone that has happened in the past.
“We know that those who are culpable would be brought to book. But the innocent citizens would not be attacked.
“When something happens like this, it is always easy to manage the tension. Yesterday (Monday), I was in Bomadi for security meeting and I got full details and briefings. So, some of these are security issues that you cannot say publicly. That’s the truth and we are managing the situation.”
Daily Trust had reported how irate youths murdered a lieutenant colonel, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers in Okuoma, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, on Thursday.
The deceased officers and soldiers were of 181 Amphibious Batallion in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime.
Days after the order, residents of Okuama community fled to neighboring Ughelli for fear of a reprisal by soldiers.
Some houses were burnt in Okuama and a neighbouring Bayelsa community, but the army authorities have distanced themselves from the arson.
In a statement on Monday, the Nigerian Army unveiled the identities of the fallen heroes.
- AH Ali Lieutenant Colonel (Commanding officer, 181 Amphibious Battalion)
- SD Shafa Major
- DE Obi Major
- U. Zakari Captain
- Yahaya Saidu Staff Sergeant
- Yahaya Danbaba Corporal
- Kabiru Bashir Corporal
- Bulus Haruna Lance Corporal
- Sole Opeyemi Lance Corporal
- Bello Anas Lance Corporal
- Hamman Peter Lance Corporal
- Ibrahim Abdullahi Lance Corporal
- Alhaji Isah Private
- Clement Francis Private
- Abubakar Ali Private
- Ibrahim Adamu Private
- Adamu Ibrahim Private
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