Some residents of warring communities ambushed and killed 16 officers and personnel of the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta on Thursday.
Those killed were the commanding officer, two majors, one captain and 12 soldiers.
The acting director, defence information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, made this known on Saturday in Abuja.
He stated that the troops were ambushed and killed while responding to a distress call arising from a clash between Okuoma and Okoloba communities in Delta.
Gusau stated that the chief of defence staff, General Christopher Musa, had ordered the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the killing of the military personnel.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Gusau said: “The troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State while on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths and killed.
“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.”
The defence spokesman however said a few arrests had been made while steps were already in place to unravel the motive behind the attack, adding that the incident had been reported to the Delta State Government.
He said the unfortunate incident occurred on Thursday when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.
The statement however assured that the military remained focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.
“The military, however, remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the governor of Delta State, Mr Sheriff Oborevwori, condemned the unprovoked killing of the military officers, describing it as “despicable.”
He said the governmrnt would do its utmost to fish out those who committed the heinous act.
“The government of Delta State is gravely disturbed by the violence and unprovoked killing of the officers and soldiers, which he described as alien to the culture of Deltans.
“This incident is despicable and not in sync with the culture and tradition of Deltans. It runs contrary to the values and path of peace that the State Government is promoting as I have always emphasised in our MORE agenda to enhance peace and security.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Delta State, I wish to condole, in particular, the families of the killed gallant officers and soldiers, the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general, over this sad occurrence.
“The state government shall take all measures necessary to fish out all those behind this dastardly act and ensure they are made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Delta State is governed within the tenets of the rule of law and human decency. Acts such as this incident cannot and will not be tolerated.
“Meanwhile, all citizens and residents of the state are enjoined to remain law- abiding and the state government shall continue to take all measures to protect lives and property in Delta State,” the governor said in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Festus Ahon.
