In a shocking turn of events, sixteen officers and men of the Nigerian army, including high-ranking officials, were brutally murdered by criminals in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. The incident has drawn condemnation and grief from all corners of the country.
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In a press statement made available to Erevision MediaTV on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, Honourable Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei, Member Representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, expressed his condolences to the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the families of the fallen heroes, and the entire nation. He described the attack as one of the worst tragedies to befall the Nigerian soldiers in recent times.
The incident that unfolded in Okuama quickly spread to the peaceful community of Igbomotoru, located more than a hundred and fifty nautical kilometers away. The ensuing military operation resulted in the destruction and loss of innocent lives in Igbomotoru, causing deep sadness and frustration among its residents.
Hon. Ambaiowei said: “There is no gainsaying that the gruesome and unprovoked murder of sixteen officers and men of the Nigerian army consisting of a Lieutenant Colonel, two majors, a captain and twelve other men of the military by criminals in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State is one of the worse things to have happened to our gallant soldiers in recent history”.
“Let me at this point condole with the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the families of these fallen heroes and the good people of Nigeria”.
“I am sadly compelled to issue this press statement following the callous and senseless murder of these officers who were said to be on their line of duty at Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State which event spilled into Igbomotoru, a hitherto peaceful community in my Federal Constituency, Southern Ijaw which is more than one hundred and fifty nautical kilometres from Okuama and in less than twenty-four hours spilled into Igbomotoru- my Federal Constituency. This led to the invasion of the once serene community by men said to be of the military in search of the perpetrators of the heinous crime at Okuama. The aftermath of the invasion was the destruction and killing of some innocent and peace loving citizens of Igbomotoru community which is rather unfortunate and saddening”.
While acknowledging the Nigerian Army’s capacity for gathering intelligence swiftly, Honourable Ambaiowei stressed the importance of executing such operations with caution to minimize harm to innocent citizens. He reminded everyone of the tragic events that unfolded in Odi in 1999 and cautioned against further collateral damage.
Honourable Ambaiowei aligned himself with the President, the National Assembly, and the Nigerian people in demanding the swift arrest of the criminals responsible for the soldiers’ untimely deaths. He emphasized the need to bring them to justice and prevent further harm to innocent civilians.
In view of the escalating situation, Honourable Ambaiowei urged the people of Igbomotoru and the entire Southern-Ijaw Federal Constituency to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. He also called on parents to take firm action against their children involved in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for discipline.
The Member Representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government and the Delta State Government for their prompt response to the tragic events.
He also appealed to the Federal Government and international organizations to provide aid and support to the affected communities, particularly to those who have lost their livelihoods and children who have missed out on education due to the incident.
As the nation mourns the loss of these brave soldiers, Honourable Ambaiowei concluded his press statement by calling for justice, unity, and the safeguarding of Nigeria’s future.
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