Sixteen Nigerian soldiers have been killed on a mission to halt clashes between two communities in the southern state of Delta, an army spokesperson said.
The troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion deployed in the Bomadi region, had responded to a distress call to the conflict in Okuoma community when they were ambushed and killed on Thursday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau said in a statement on Saturday.
The Soldiers were ambushed and killed while on a rescue mission to Okuama to release a hostage, Mr. Anthony Aboh, from neighbouring Okoloba community in Bomadi over a lingering land dispute. The situation became tense when more soldiers were killed the following day.
A civilian source from the military team said that the commander and his team were taken unaware while on their way back from an unfruitful meeting in okuama community for the release of the kidnapped youth
“We were coming back to our boats after the unfruitful discussion to release the kidnapped victim of okoloba community, suddenly there were rains of bullet coming from all directions and some of us managed to escape. Many people were killed during the ambush.
“The Commander and other officers were held hostage and taken to an unknown destination towards the creek opposite of the community”
The source further revealed that 16 military men were killed at Okuama community amongst them are 1 Lt Colonel, 2 Majors, 1 captain and 12 soldiers.
The liveless body of the kidnapped victim, Mr Anthony Aboh was also found floating on River Forcados.
Other sources confirmed that the body of the victim was found blindfolded with his hands tied behind his back.
Meanwhile, The Nigerian Army have issued a statement following the tragic incident;
“The troop of 181 Amphibious Battalion, 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, 14th of March, 2024. The unfortunate incident occurred when the troop responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta state.
“The reinforcement team lef by commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the commanding officer, two majors, One captain and 12 soldiers.
“The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime. The occurrence have 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” the statement reads.
