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By Emmanuel Adeleke
Several houses in the coastal and rustic Okuoma community, in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, were set on fire, hours after 16 soldiers on a peacekeeping mission were killed.
In a viral video, black smoke could be seen billowing from some buildings in the community, as flames flickered in the distance.
A voice in the background could be heard saying: “Your eye go clear well well, I swear to God. No worry.”
Recall that the Director of Information at the Defence Headquarters, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, had in a statement on Saturday, said the army officers comprising a lieutenant colonel, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers were murdered by youths in th in community on Thursday.
“The troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, while on a peace mission to Okuoma 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 Okuoma and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.
“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,” Gusau said.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
According to reports, 14 of the “beheaded” corpses have been recovered, with the entrails of some ripped out.
Some residents of the community have also fled, for fear of reprisal attacks from military personnel.