Video of soldiers burning down community in Delta for killing 16 military personnel

A video of Nigerian soldiers burning down Okuama community in Delta State for killing 16 military personnel is making rounds.

The video which was uploaded on the official X page of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Sunday, March 17, 2024, was later deleted.

This occurred after the Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 soldiers of 181 Amphibious Battalion were killed by hoodlums in the Bomadi Local Government Area of the state.

According to the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said in a statement on Saturday, that the military personnel were killed on Thursday, while on a peace mission to the community.

It was reported that the officers had stormed the area to rescue a kidnapped youth, Mr Anthony Aboh, an indigene of neighbouring Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area, who was abducted over the lingering land dispute between the two communities.

He noted that the military personnel were surrounded and killed by some youths of the community.

President Bola Tinubu in a statement on the killing of the soldiers granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.

He said;

"On Saturday morning, the Nigerian people and I woke up to the dreadful news of the unprovoked killing of our brave military personnel during a rescue mission in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2024, when our troops, responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State, were ambushed. A Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and twelve soldiers sadly lost their lives. One civilian was also killed.

As the Commander-in-Chief, I join all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces to mourn and express my profound grief over the needless death of our gallant soldiers.

I extend my profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones. The military high command is already responding to this incident. The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.

This incident, once again, demonstrates the dangers faced by our servicemen and women in the line of duty. I salute their heroism, courage, and uncommon grit and patriotism.

As a nation, we must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep our nation safe, strong, and united. The officers and men who died in Okuama community have joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all, with honour, in the service of our fatherland.

Members of our armed forces are at the heart and core of our nationhood. Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act.

The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.

My government will not relent until we achieve peace and tranquility in every part of Nigeria.

May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep members of our armed forces safe."

Watch the video below;