- A resident of Okuama community in Delta state has alleged in a viral video that the 16 soldiers who were killed in the community did not come for peacekeeping
- The youthful resident claimed that the deceased soldiers were on a mission to protect the interest of the Niger Delta warlord, Tompolo
- Legit.ng reports that the incident, which occurred on Thursday, March 14, has sent shock waves throughout the south-south region
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering governance and security matters.
Okuama, Delta state – A young man has released a video claiming to be one of the killers of the 16 soldiers attacked in Okuama community while on peace-keeping mission over a communal clash between Okuama and Okoloba community in Bomadi and Ughelli South local government area (LGA) of Delta state.
The young man, who did not mention his name in a viral video, said two warring communities had a land dispute which led to a crisis.
The man however blamed the government and leaders for not calling both communities for a peaceful resolution.
According to him, the slain Nigerian security operatives who came to Okuama were loyalists of Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly called Tompolo.
The man said:
“This is the last video I will make over the fight between Okuama community and Okoloba community.
“The Ijaw people from Okuama community used army to carry three people from Okoloba community and killed them. The three people were all killed.
“The federal government gave some people power to do [oil] bunkering and after doing the bunkering, the army followed and guide them to sell the product. They betrayed their brothers and their own blood.”
Furthermore, the man alleged that the man in charge of the bunkering used the soldiers to take away three persons from his community before killing them.
His words:
“The 16 soldiers were killed when they came to take away our community leaders and the youths knew that when they take them (the community leaders) away, they will be powerless. That was the reason the 16 soldiers were attacked.
He added:
“My father was a retired army officer who died last year. I have lost six of my people to the fight between Okuama community and Okoloba community. The federal government can declare me wanted after making this video.”
Watch the video below:
Read more about Delta attack:
Killing of soldiers: Nigerian Army, Delta community trade words over reprisal attacks as troops arrest 20
Tinubu announces national honours for slain soldiers
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Bola Tinubu announced that the military officials who were brutally killed in Okuama would be given a befitting burial and national honours.
Speaking at the breaking of Ramadan fast on Wednesday, March 20, in Abuja with the speaker of the house of representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the leadership of the House, Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the bereaved.
Source: Legit.ng