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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has explained why residents of Okuama community, in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State are yet to have access to their homes.
On March 14, suspected residents of the Okuama community ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers
According to reports, the troops were attacked while responding to a distress call arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities, both in Delta State.
Speaking on Arise Television programme, ‘Morning Show‘ on Wednesday, Musa explained that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and residents of Okuama where the attack took place have no access to the community because the security agencies were carrying out a “cordon and search” operation in the area.
He said the Nigerian Army was not taking laws into its own hands by declaring some persons wanted over the killing of the officers.
“We are currently conducting a cordon and search in the community. Cordon and search operation means we are searching every nook and cranny within the community because they have a lot of illegal funds from crude oil theft. They have bought a lot of weapons.
“It is for us to thoroughly clean the community to ensure that no weapon, no explosive is left. I can tell you at the end of the operation, residents of the community will always go back,” he said.
‘Ewu king safe, secure with us’
Meanwhile, the CDS has assured that the traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom, HRM Clement Oghenerukevwe, is safe and secure in their custody.
Recall that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had on March 28 declared eight persons wanted, including the traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom, over their alleged roles in the recent killing of 17 military personnel.
Following the declaration, the traditional ruler surrendered himself to the police and maintained that he had no hands in the killings of the military personnel.
However, Musa stated that there is no cause for alarm regarding the safety of the traditional ruler, adding that the military just needed some clarification from him.
He added that although the traditional ruler might not have directly taken part in the killings of the slain military personnel, he can’t deny having the knowledge or understanding of what was going on.
“I think there is nothing really to fear about. I mean, he brought himself up. The Commissioner of Police handed him over to the joint task force. The joint task force has a police component, and because they are the ones serving the mandate to operate, that is why he handed him over.
“It is a joint investigation that is being conducted. We have sought a board of inquiries from outside to also follow up, and we are sure other questions will be asked. But what we want Nigerians to understand is that we are all Nigerians, we love Nigerians, we put our lives on the line for Nigeria, so we will not do anything against any innocent Nigerians. We are only after the bad guys. Anyone who makes himself one, we will definitely come after him.
“I understand that we have a mandate from the president. If the president gives me a mandate to conduct an operation, I will not ask him why. I will conduct that operation, and then an explanation will come later. That is why I am in the military.
“Like I said, the chief (king of Ewu) is secured; he is safe, nothing is going to happen to him. It is just a few questionings, and then we will be able to clarify. I don’t want to comment so much, but I can tell you nobody will tell you he doesn’t know what was happening. Maybe he did not take part directly, but he will not tell us he doesn’t have the knowledge or the understanding of what was going on. But like we have said, investigation will unravel most of these things, and actions will be taken,” the CDS stated.