By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The military has been completely withdrawn from the Okuama Community in Delta state, South South Nigeria where at least 17 soldiers were killed in March, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori announced on Wednesday.
This paves way for the return of locals who had deserted their community following a reprisal attack by angry soldiers.
The military had taken over the community after 17 Army personnel were gruesomely murdered on the 14th of March, 2024 in the riverine community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, causing many residents to flee into the creeks and other neighbouring communities.
Those killed include Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain, and 12 personnel of the battalion. They were later buried at the Military Cemetary in Abuja.
Homes were set on fire and property destroyed during the invasion by the military.
The governor at a press conference in Asaba, the state cdisclosed that the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp set up by his administration for a smooth and seamless resettlement of the displaced okuama residents is already running.
“I have the pleasure to announce to you that upon many deliberations and collaborations between the State Government and the Military Leadership, the Nigerian Army has agreed to withdraw its Officers and men from Okuama.
“I spoke with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday, 6th of May, and as at today, 8 of May, 2024, the Military have withdrawn from Okuama” he stated.
He added, “Let me assure all Deltans and residents in the state that this administration is irrevocably committed to enhanced peace and security in the state as contained in our MORE agenda. It is also pertinent to point out that matters of security are better handled with tact, wisdom, and patience; it is not meant to be a subject of daily media discuss as some would have wanted.”
Heritage Times HT observes that killing of soldiers has become recurrent in several Nigerian communities in recent times.
Last month, six soldiers were ambushed and killed by gunmen while on patrol in Niger State.
Beyond fighting Boko Haram Islamist militants in the northeast, Nigeria’s military has been actively involved in fighting banditry and kidnapping in various parts of the country.
