The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that 15 military men, comprising two majors and 12 soldiers, were killed during a communal clash in Delta State.
They were reported to have died while responding to a distress call amid a confrontation between the Okuama and Okoloba villages in Delta State on Thursday.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, troops on a peace mission to the Okuoma village in Bomadi LGA were ambushed and killed by some community youths.
He mentioned that the commanding officer of the reinforcement squad was among those killed in the confrontation.
The statement read, “The troops of the 181st Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, while on a peace mission to the Okuama community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State, were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
“The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities, both in Delta State.
“The reinforcement team led by the commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the deaths of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers.”
Gusau also stated that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has requested an investigation into the situation.
He further mentioned that the incident had been reported to the state administration.
However, Gusau stated that some individuals had been arrested in connection with the incident.
He said, “CDS has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime. The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Government.
“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, and steps are being taken to unravel the motive behind the attack. Additional details later.”
In January 2024, six people were killed and numerous others were injured in a firefight over a land dispute between two settlements.
In 2023, the two settlements were reported to have fought over property and a fishing lake.
