The Nigerian Army has recovered the bodies of 14 of the Officers and Soldiers of the 63 Brigade killed on Saturday by youths in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The armed youths killed the Commanding Officer, Colonel H. Ali, two Majors, a Captain and 12 Soldiers.
Ali’s body and those of other Officers were reportedly recovered in a river, while those of others were left on ground.
Some of the recovered corpses were said to have been beheaded, while the stomachs and hearts of others were ripped off so that the bodies could sink into the river.
The entire communities in Bomadi and Ughelli South Local Government Areas have been cordoned off by operatives of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, which also oversees the 63 Brigade in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, Acting Director, Defence Information, has given a report on the incident.
It read:
SITUATION REPORT ON THE ATTACK AND KILLING OF MILITARY PERSONNEL ON PEACE MISSION BY OKUOMA COMMUNITY
The 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 by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March, 2024. The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.
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.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa 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 in place to unravel the motive behind the attack. Additional details later.