Okuama: Soldiers attack another Delta community, arrests 10 persons, razes homes

Soldiers raze Okuama community in Delta State

Soldiers have once again invaded another community, razed homes and took away about 10 people from Olota, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.

This comes following the killing of 17 military personnel at Okuama on March 14, 2024 during a peacekeeping mission.

Report indicates that this would not be the first time the troops stormed a community as they have been sighted in Arhavwarien, Orere, and Omosuomo, more than a week ago, searching for arms and ammunition snatched from the dead soldiers and fleeing suspects.

The incident occurred the same day the Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, and retired judges ripped apart the Board of Inquiry constituted by Defence Headquarters to investigate the March 14 killing of military personnel at Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government of Delta State, saying it had no powers to do so.

In a publication cited on Vanguard, the President-General of Olota, Prosper Evuarherhe, could not be reached when contacted, however, an eyewitness said, the military men left the community’s chairman, Matthew Olokpa and 10 others.

He said: “Over 200 soldiers entered Olota in three gunboats this morning (yesterday). They held the Chairman, Matthew Olokpa, Bigi Edjekpewhu, German Obiokute, Kenneth Okorodudu Atua, and others.”

It was reported by witnesses that the military personnel burnt down some houses in the community, 50 kilometres from Okuama and took almost all the speedboats at the dock.

“Gunshots roared in Olota today (yesterday); we ask those in authority to intervene and tell the soldiers to leave Olota in peace. They left with those apprehended, no fewer than 10 persons. They burnt Germany’s house and two others and destroyed one.

“They also left with many speed boats at the jetty belonging to residents. They beat the community chairman to a stupor before they moved him with the others, along with a 75-engine-powered boat belonging to Kenneth. This latest crisis may not be connected with Okuama.”