Okuoma, an Ijaw community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, has turned into a ghost town in the aftermath of the killing of 22 soldiers dispatched to the area on a peace mission.
Residents, especially young men, are understood to have fled for fear of reprisal over the killing of the soldiers, five of whom were officers: a lieutenant-colonel who was the commanding officer, two majors and one captain.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed the killings yesterday, with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General C.G. Musa, ordering the immediate arrest and investigation of all those involved.
Similarly seized by tension on account of the killing are neighbouring towns in Urhobo and Ijaw communities in Ughelli South and Bomadi local government areas of the state.
Residents of the neighbouring communities said military aircraft were hovering over them, ostensibly on reconnaissance missions. This sparked fear that military invasions and operations in the area were imminent.
The soldiers were allegedly ambushed and murdered by youths on Thursday when the troops went to quell violence between the people of Okuoma and Okoloba.
Although no group has claimed responsibility for the dastardly attack, militias were suspected of masterminding the attack on the troops of the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Army.
Various sources said the soldiers went to Okuoma to secure the release of one Mr Anthony Aboh, an indigene of Okoloba, who was abducted over the lingering land dispute between the two communities.
The military men were reportedly caught in an ambush on their way back to their base after their meeting with leaders of Okuoma community ended in a deadlock.
A source said: “We were coming back to our boats after the unfruitful discussion to release the kidnapped victim of Okoloba community.
“Suddenly, there were rains of bullets coming from all directions and some of us managed to escape.
“Many people were killed during the ambush, including a former honourable member from Okoloba community, who reported the matter to the JTF. But the commander and other officers were held hostage and taken to an unknown destination towards the creek opposite the community.”
Sources said the lifeless body of the kidnapped Anthony Aboh had been recovered floating on River Forcados.
One of the sources in Okoloba said: “We found the lifeless body of Mr Anthony Aboh floating on River Forcados near Ayakoromo community, and like other victims, he was blindfolded with his hands tied behind his back.”
Efforts to get comments from Okuoma community were unsuccessful.
Tension In Delta Over Killing Of Four Officers, 18 Soldiers
