Following the tragic killing of 16 soldiers on a peacekeeping mission in the Okuoma community of Bomadi Local Government Area (LGA) in Delta State, several houses in the area were engulfed in flames, intensifying the already tense situation.
The Director of Information at the Defence Headquarters, Tukur Gusau, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers, were ambushed and killed by youths on Thursday.
Gusau explained, “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 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.”
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Christopher Musa has promptly ordered an immediate investigation into the incident to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the soldiers’ deaths.
However, a video shared via social media on Sunday, captured the chaos in Okuoma, with billowing black smoke and flames engulfing several buildings.
Fearing reprisal attacks from military personnel, some residents have fled the community.
