Not less than 22 soldiers have been reportedly killed by armed men and alleged mercenaries of Okuoma community in Ughelli South council area of Delta State.
The troops, stationed from the 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi, were according to reports, on a rescue mission to the community when they were pounced on by their assailants on Thursday.
They had undertaken a rescue mission to Okuoma community to rescue a kidnapped youth, Mr Anthony Aboh, an indigene of neighbouring Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area, who was kidnaped over the extended land dispute between the communities.
According to a source, the military men were said to have been taken unawares while on their way back to the waterfront after a deadlocked round-table discussion at Okuoma community hall over the abducted youth.
The source had also revealed that 22 military men had been confirmed dead at Okuoma community. Among the dead included a Lt Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and eighteen soldiers.
Some the military personnel killed were identified as Major Shafa, Major Obi, Captain Zakari and Lt. Col A. H. Ali.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the has however, ordered the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS),immediate investigation and apprehension of those involved in the ugly crime.
A statement by the acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Saturday, revealed this, adding that the incident had been reported to the Delta State Government.
Reiterating the military’s commitment to “upholding peace and security in the country,” the statement said that a few arrests have been made while steps have already been put in place to unravel the motive behind the attack.”
