The military high command on Saturday vowed to go after some youths, who reportedly killed 16 of its personnel attached to 181 Amphibious Battalion in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.
Trouble started on Thursday when the troops responded to a distress call regarding a communal crisis between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities.
The Director, Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, said the troops were surrounded by some community youths who were armed with weapons and killed them.
Gusau, a Brigadier-General, explained that the troops, while on the peace mission, reinforced, saying the reinforcement team led by the commanding officer was also attacked.
The senior military officer said the hoodlums killed the commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers, adding that the incident had been reported to the Delta State government.
According to him, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime.
He said, “The troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State while on peace mission to Okuoma Community 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 Okuoma 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, 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 government.
“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.”
