By 
…As Falana calls on Police to prosecute murderers
By Tayo ABIOLA
The immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the killing of the Military Personnel of 181 Amphibious Battalion Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State has been ordered.
The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa gave the order as contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Saturday by Acting Director Defence Information, DDI, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.
According to the statement, “the troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State while on a peace mission to Okuoma community in BOMADI Local Government Area of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths and killed.
It explained that the unfortunate incident occurred on Thursday when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.
According to it, “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.
It pointed out that a few arrests had been made while steps were already in place to unravel the motive behind the attack and that the incident had been reported to the Delta State Government
The statement however assured that the military remained focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.
Meanwhile, the human rights activist and lawyer Mr. Femi Falana SAN, has condemned the unproked and gruesome murder of the military personnel.
In a statement, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, commended the military authorities for resisting the temptation to subject the two warring communities to a reprisal attack.
He called on the Authorities of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted into the case with a view to prosecuting the suspects without any delay.
The statement read, “On 14th March 2024, the troops of the 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, while on peace mission to Okuoma community in Delta State were surrounded by some irate community youths.
“In the unprovoked attack that ensued, the Commanding Officer, 2 Majors, a Captain, and 12 Solders were reported to have been brutalised and murdered in a gruesome manner.
“We join the members of the civilised humanity in condemning the brutality meted out to the military officers and soldiers as they were deployed for peace keeping mission to resolve the crisis in two warring communities in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta state.
“We are, however, pleased to note that the military remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.
“Having regard to the massacre of innocent people when the military invaded Odi in Bayelsa State and Zaki Biam in Benue State in similar circumstances, we commend the military authorities for resisting the temptation to subject the two warring communities to a reprisal attack. By all means, the army should avoid a repeat of the history of having multiple tragedies.
“We have confirmed that in line with the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Gwabim Musa, some of the gunmen involved in the heinous crime have been arrested. The Delta State Government, the respective local governments, and the leaders of two warring communities should assist the police to identify and isolate the remaining reckless murderers and unravel the motive behind the heinous crime.
“While we commiserate with the Nigerian Army and the bereaved families of the slain military officers and soldiers, we call on the Authorities of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted into the case with a view to prosecuting the suspects without any delay,” the statement concluded.
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