The Delta State Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has condemned the senseless and gruesome murdered military personnel around the Okuama community of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
DOPF, while condoling with families of the slain soldiers and the Nigerian military on the unfortunate attack, berated the reprisal attack by the military which has forced many villagers to desert Okuama community.
NIGER DELTA TODAY Online has reported that unknown gunmen had laid ambushed and murdered 17 military personnel including lieutenant colonel, two majors and a captain around the river bank of Okuama community.
The forum in a statement on Saturday by its Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ochonogor Enebeli and Secretary, Shedrack Onitsha, observed that the current situation at Okuama remains disturbing considering the alleged number civilians that had died from the reprisal.
It called on the Nigerian military to allow access to the community while full scale investigation circumstances surrounding gruesome killing of the soldiers is being investigated.
The statement read, “The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) extends its heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Army and Okuama Community, following the gruesome and devastating loss of lives in recent tragic and unfortunate incidents.
“The heinous killing of 17 military personnel and the subsequent collateral damages which has consumed numerous civilians in a frenzy of reprisal attacks deeply saddens and diminishes us all as humans.
“As we seek swift justice for the gallant fallen heroes, we equally emphasize the importance of upholding rules of engagement and established judicial procedures, especially as defined in Democratic systems.
“With Nigeria not in a state of war or widespread civil unrest, it is imperative that operations prioritize citizen rights and safety.
“We urge immediate dialogue between government authorities and the military to facilitate access to Okuama Community for humanitarian assessment and aid distribution.
“Additionally, a thorough investigation into the remote and attendant causes of the Okuama conflict, as already directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must necessarily include alleged cases of extra-judicial killings during military operations, which will not only be crucial to uphold justice and maintain public trust, but will hopefully also serve as a watershed reference in addressing subsequent brewing conflicts of similar symptomatic indices across the country.
“Our thoughts are with the military and Okuama Community during this difficult time. Let us unite in our commitment to integrity, accountability, and respect for human rights for the betterment of our nation.”
There is no democracy in Nigeria if there was the police would have been brought into okuama to do proper investigation, and President Tinubu would not have given the military order to do the job of the police. There is lots of unanswered questions what truly happened that lead to all this killings? who truly did all this killings?