DHQ: There’II Be Measured, Injurious Consequences for Killing Military Personnel

•Releases names, photos of slain men 

•Perpetrators must be brought to book, defence ministers insist 

•No hiding place for culprits, Lagbaja declares 

•Senate supports Tinubu’s order to military  

•Delta gov visits, journalists denied access to troubled community

Kingsley Nwezeh, Michael Olugbode, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja, Mary Nnah in Lagos, Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa and Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Taking advantage of the full authority granted it on Sunday by President Bola Tinubu to go after killers of its men, the military high command, yesterday, declared that there would be measured but injurious response to the killing of military personnel in Okuama, Delta State, last Thursday. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) stated this in a statement by Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj-Gen. Edward Buba.

DHQ also released the names and pictures of the 16 army personnel killed by suspected irate youths on Thursday at Okuama.

Ministers of Defence, Badaru Abubakar and Bello Matawalle, while condemning the killing, said the federal government would not tolerate any threat to the country’s security and sovereignty. They said the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, said there was no hiding place for the killers of the military personnel.

The senate said Tinubu’s reaction to the murder of the military men was in order, and endorsed it.

Interestingly, operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the trail of killers of the military personnel, yesterday, denied Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and journalists access to Okuama community, when he visited to get first-hand information on the incident.

But a former military officer, Lieutenant Commander Koku Imananagha, appealed to the federal government and the military not to unleash terror on the entire community while searching for criminals.

At the same time, the umbrella body of Ijaw youths worldwide, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), condemned the killing of officers and soldiers in Okuoma community, saying it is barbaric and unacceptable.

Similarly, Director General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, called on all Nigerians to stand in solidarity with the army. Ochogwu said there should be thorough investigation into the killing.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), while also condemning the killing, said it amounted to violation of the right to life and dignity of human person as guaranteed under Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Act.

DHQ, in the statement, said, “The military assures that there would be measured responses and injurious consequences for the perpetrators of these dastardly act.

“Nevertheless, the armed forces, being a disciplined force that complies with rules of engagement, laws of armed conflict and the respect for human rights, would be tempered by these provisions. We would not be led by emotions, but by the rule of law.”

Debunking claims of reprisal by the military, the statement said, “It is against this background that the military debunks all claims that the military embarked on reprisal attacks in Okuama community after the incident. The community was deserted even before troops arrived the scene.

“Importantly, those involved in peddling these misinformation, disinformation and fake news that the military had embarked on reprisal on the community following the incident, should desist from further dishonouring our fallen heroes.

“Rather, it behoves the community leaders, elders and even the people of Delta State to assist investigation to identify the perpetrators of the dastardly act so that they can be held accountable for their actions.

“It must be noted that the dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities remains unresolved. It, therefore, implies that there could be untoward activities not initiated by the military.

“Overall, there is no doubt that this is an extremely sad development and untoward activity by members of the Okuama community against troops that were there to protect them.

“We urge the public to resist the temptation of allowing any videos of the incident of the killed personnel from going viral. Their loved ones are still alive, even though they have died protecting our country and its citizens.”

The defence headquarters said it would be a dishonour to the fallen heroes to allow such ugly videos of their demise go viral.

“Above all, as the military mourns, it remains ever determined to ensure safety and security of citizens across the country,” the statement added.

Nevertheless, the defence headquarters released the identities of the Nigerian Army commander, three officers, and 12 soldiers, killed by attackers in the Delta community. DHQ shared their photos and names on its X account yesterday.

The deceased were Lt  Col AH Ali, Commanding Officer  181 Amphibious Battalion, NIGERIAN Army; Maj SD Shafa (N/13976); Maj DE Obi (N/14395); Capt U Zakari (N/16348); SSgt Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974); Cpl Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274); Col Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853); and LCol Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844).

Others were Lal Sole Opeyemi (17NA/760719), LCpl Bello Anas (17NA/76/290), LCpl Hamman Peter (NA/T82653), LCpl Ibrahim Abdullahi (18NA/77/1191), Pte Alhaji Isah (17NA/76/6079), Pte Clement Francis (19NA/78/0911), Pte Abubakar Ali (19NA/78/2162), Pte Ibrahim Adamu (19NA/78/6079), and Pte Adamu Ibrahim (21NA/80/4795).

Killing Unacceptable, Perpetrators Must Be Brought to Book, Say Defence Ministers

Ministers of Defence, Badaru Abubakar and Bello Matawale, yesterday, condemned in strong terms the killing of military personnel at Okuama, Delta State, saying the federal government would not tolerate any threat to the country’s security and sovereignty.

A statement by the Ministry of Defence said the ministers condemned in its totality the attack on the military men, who had gone on a rescue mission from 181 Amphibious Battalion in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. They said the perpetrators of the act must be brought to book.

The statement said the ambush at Okuama, which resulted in the tragic loss of the Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt Col AH Ali, two Majors, a Captain, and 12 soldiers, along with a civilian, was a matter of grave concern.

The defence ministry stated, “This tragic incident underscores the immense sacrifices made by our servicemen and women in the defence of our nation. Their unwavering dedication and courage in the face of danger exemplify the highest ideals of patriotism and duty.

“We affirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the security and well-being of all Nigerians and will not tolerate any threat to our nation’s sovereignty and stability.

“Additionally, we assure the Nigerian people that every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice, and we remain resolute in our pursuit of peace and tranquillity across the nation in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Badaru and Matawalle reiterated the federal government’s resolve to secure the country.

They said, “Our unwavering support for the armed forces and their efforts to maintain peace and stability across the country is not negotiable. We will continue to work tirelessly towards achieving lasting peace and tranquillity in every region of our dear country.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the fallen soldiers, as well as with the entire nation mourning this irreparable loss. We stand united in grief with all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces during this difficult time.”

Lagbaja: No Hiding Place for Culprits

Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, said there was no hiding place for the killers of the military personnel in Delta State. Lagbaja tackled the Okuama community over its alleged resort to propaganda.

He said the killing of the soldiers was not only despicable but should be unreservedly condemned by all.

Lagbaja said, “Regrettably, the community complicit in this dastardly act has resorted to media propaganda and shenanigans, rather than engage in a positive effort to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

“This again is a clear indication that the murder of the troops was a communally orchestrated attack against legitimate forces.

“The falsehood being peddled by these criminals and their cohorts to whip up sentiments and sway the public to cover up, endorse or support the outrageous criminal acts of their armed youth gang should be disregarded in its entirety.

“It is only a ridiculous attempt at justifying their crime, rather than turn in themselves to security agencies.”

The statement by the army spokesman, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, said, “There is no amount of propaganda that would arm-twist the narrative, they are complicit and must be ready to face the wrath of the law.

“While law-abiding citizens are assured that there will be no reprisal on the part of the troops, we enjoin all to go about their normal activities, even as ongoing efforts are scaled up to positively identify and isolate the criminals to account for their atrocious deeds.

“The Chief of Army of Staff, Lt Gen Toareed Lagbaja, while commiserating with the families of the officers and soldiers, who lost their lives, has directed that no stone should be left unturned until the perpetrators of this gruesome acts are apprehended to face the full wrath of the law.

“Troops are determined to get to these criminals, there is certainly no hiding place for them.”

Senate Supports Tinubu’s Order to Military

The senate said the armed forces needed maximum cooperation, prayers and support at this trying period, as they conducted operations all over the country to restore peace and stability in troubled locations.

Part of the statement by the upper chamber read, “We salute the courage of the departed military men as they have paid the supreme price performing the ultimate act of service to the nation.

“The senate leadership and all distinguished senators of the 10th Senate condemn this attack and convey their deepest condolences to the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army, officers and men of Operation Delta Safe as well as the families of all the personnel who have lost their lives.

“We, consequently, support the President, the Commander of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s charge to the security authorities to smoke out the undesirable outlaws, who put off the glowing lights of those promising officers and men.

“May their souls rest in immortal peace.”

 Oborevwori Visits as Military Bars Media

Operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the trail of killers of the military officers, yesterday, barred journalists from accessing Okuama community, following the visit of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.

The journalists were prevented from accessing Bomadi en route Okuama community, when Oborevwori visited to get first-hand information on the incident, four days after the killing of the soldiers and civilian.

The JTF operatives barricaded the major entries to Okuama with armoured personnel carriers thereby preventing vehicular and human traffic, including journalists, from gaining access to the community.

Heavily armed security personnel were seen moving around Bomadi but were not harassing residents seen standing in front of their houses and stores.

THISDAY, however, gathered that socio-economic activities had since been paralysed as residents could no longer carry out their businesses.

The governor had to alight from his official car at the point of the barricade and walked a distance to the office of the JTF, where he had a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the military led by the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Jammal Abdussalam.

After the meeting, which lasted about an hour, Oborevwori got into his vehicle and left Bomadi without accessing Okuoma community, where there was alleged destruction of buildings by the soldiers. He also did not brief the media on the outcome of the meeting before leaving the troubled community, where people, including indigenes, were prevented from accessing.

Don’t Go After Community, Ex-officer Urge

A former military officer, Lieutenant Commander Koku Imananagha (rtd), appealed to the federal government and the military to not descend on the entire community while going after alleged criminals. Imananagha said this while appearing as a guest on the Arise TV Morning Show.

Imananagha, an indigene of Odi, had witnessed a similar attack during the  Odi massacre, an attack carried out on November 20, 1999 by the Nigerian Armed Forces against the predominantly Ijaw town of Odi in Bayelsa State following a clash between two communities in the Beyelsa.

He stated, “The occurrence in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State brings about bad memories. Surprisingly, we suffered the same in Odi town in Bayelsa State in 1999.  That is why I am pained to hear this kind of story again 25 years after that of Odi.

“It was not easy at all because when it happened both the military and also the community suffered. The military suffered its losses and then there was destruction in Odi community, nothing was spared in the community. So when this happened in Okuama, last week, my mind returned to what happened to us in Odi.”

Imananagha appealed to the federal government and the community to be cautious of their actions at the moment.

He stated, “My advice now is that as it happened in Odi, this one is so similar, and so authorities should not allow it to be the usual pattern. Let them completely obey the command of the President and Commander-in-Chief and go after the killers and not everybody in the community.”

While recalling further that in the Odi case, it was the entire community that they went after, Imananagha advised that this time around, the military should go after the killers only and the community should cooperate with the military in the bid to fish out the culprits.

Act Barbaric, Unacceptable, Says IYC

Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) condemned the killing of the soldiers on a peace mission to Okuoma, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.

IYC called on the military top hierarchy to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter with a view to bringing the perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice.

A statement by IYC spokesman, Binebia Princewill, described the Okuama incident as an unacceptable evil act that must not be swept under the carpet, as bringing the culprits to book would serve as a deterrent to others.

It stated, “It is very unfortunate that people will dare to have the impetus and temerity to invade and attack soldiers on a peace mission to resolve the lingering communal battle between the people of Okuama in Ughelli South and their brothers from Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State. To us, this is not only barbaric but also unacceptable.

“As Council, we are calling on the military top hierarchy to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter with a view to bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. This is an evil that must not be swept under the carpet as bringing the culprits to book will serve as a deterrent to others.”

However, IYC frowned on the method being used by soldiers in the search for the perpetrators, as sources from the communities reported that many innocent people had been killed and their bodies cremated in the onslaught.

The statement tasked the military not to go out of the rules of engagement and be professional in their operations.

IPCR Calls for Thorough Investigation

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) called on all Nigerians to stand in solidarity with the army and insisted on thorough investigation of the killing of the 16 soldiers in Okuama.

Director General of the group, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, said, “At this time, there is need for total civilian support for the nation’s military, condemning the killings of 16 soldiers,” which he described as very sad.

“We are praying fervently and working for peace in our country, to encourage and attract development, some persons are out there perpetuating violence,” he said.

Ochogwu added that the killing of the officers and soldiers, who were on a peace mission, had portrayed the country in bad light at a point when President Bola Tinubu was trying to curtail insecurity.

He stated, “To achieve the Renewed Hope of Mr. President, all hands must be on deck to bring our long awaited hope to fruitfulness. But the killing of our soldiers in Delta State is a new low if we have to tell ourselves the plain truth at this point in time, when almost all the regions are facing one form of insecurity or the other.”

 Killing Violates Right to Life, Says NHRC

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) condemned the killing of the 16 military personnel at Okuama, Delta State, saying it violated their rights to life and dignity.

Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, in a statement, yesterday, rejected the practice whereby aggrieved individuals and groups took laws into their hands, attacking and killing law enforcement agents. Ojukwu lamented that such behaviours occasioned human rights violations and distrust.

The statement said, “To this extent, it specifically amounts to violations of the right to life and dignity of human person as guaranteed under Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and other international instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.

“Furthermore, everyone is entitled to life and security of their person under section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). These senseless killings of security agents, which has been going on in several parts of the country, are not acceptable.

“Citizens must engage and collaborate with the Law Enforcement Agents (LEAs) by providing them with the necessary information that will assist them in fishing out those behind these heinous and dastardly acts and ensure that they are prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law.”