The Senator Representing Delta Central Senatoral District, Senator Ede Dafinone, has called on the dramatis personnae involved in the ongoing carnage at Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area to sheath their swords for the sake of humanity.
The Delta Central lawmaker also called on the State and Federal Government to urgently intervene to de-escalate the criss which according to available reports has allegedly claimed more than 18 lives including that of soldiers.
Recall that the leadership of Okuama Community had raised alarm of alleged military invasion of their community on Thursday, March 14th, 2024 following a land dispute with neighboring community of Okoloba in Bomadi local government area which led to the death of three young men, with women and children displaced, and with many building razed down.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian army in a press statement signed by Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, alleged that Commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers, who went on a peace mission were killed by Okuama people
Senator Dafinone while reacting to the report on the death of the soldiers, 3 Okuama community’s youths, and the alleged burning down of properties in Okuama Community, described the incident as very unfortunate.
While sympathizing with the military authority over the loss of their men, called on them to observe the military rules of engagement while dealing with civilians.
He also called on the leaders and the people of Okuama to remain calm, urging the federal and state government to expedite action to arrest the ugly situation from degenerating into another humanitarian crisis.
According to Senator Dafinone, “I want to appeal for calm by the waring factions in the unfortunate incident that occurred in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday and Friday leading to the needless death of about 18 persons including soldiers.
“The federal government must as a matter of urgency set up a high power independent panel to investigate the remote causes of this crisis, in order to bring whoever that may be involved in the killing of Nigerian civilians and soldiers to be brought to book.
“I wish to appeal to the authority of the Nigerian army to act discreetly in this situation , that they should not allow their emotions take better part of their professional judgement by toning down their operations and observed the rules of engagement while dealing with civilians at Okuama.
“I also wish to call on our people in Okuama to shun any act of violence that could further escalate this crisis, which could have been avoided if both parties allowed reason to prevail.
The National Emergency Management Agency, should also reach out and provide relief materials to the people of Okuama, many of whom have been rendered homeless and are now living in surrounding bushes.”
