Jonathan Nwokpor
There have been terrible reports of 16 soldiers and countless civilians, including children, losing their lives in the middle of an inter-communal crisis in the autonomous community of Okuama, Ewu Kingdom, in the Ughelli South Area of Delta State.
Following the reported deaths of the soldiers who were on a mission, enraged soldiers on Friday committed a destructive deed that left the community of Okuama in ruins. This was a tragic turn of events.
Many innocent lives were lost in the rampage, and the grim scenario was further compounded by the heartbreaking finding of multiple bodies floating down the River Forcados in the Local Government Areas of Ughelli South, Burutu, and Bomadi.
The reported killing of soldiers who were supposedly on a rescue mission to the area on Friday led to the devastation of the Okuama community.
As per a credible source, the conflict escalated on Thursday when fighters from the neighbouring Okoloba community, dressed in military uniform, and soldiers arrived in Okuama with demands regarding the President General and the youth Chairman.
A community leader in Okuama briefed a journalist regarding the allegations made by the leader of the opposing Okoloba community, a former NIMASA official, that the military was given eight million naira to start this terrible sequence of events.
He clarified, saying, “Army’s statement contains falsehoods; here’s the truth. On Thursday, two soldiers accompanied by numerous youths from Okoloba, dressed in military gear and wearing hoods, forcibly entered Okuama.”
“Upon reaching the town hall, they demanded to see the President General and the youth Chairman. The Okuama youths recognized many of the hooded individuals as belonging to Okoloba, some being members of the Okoloba Vigilante group, and resisted their demands.”
“As they departed, they tried to destroy the Community shrine, but the youths stood their ground in opposition. Upon reaching their boats, ostensibly to leave, they suddenly opened fire, resulting in the death of two youths.”
“In response, the youths returned fire, leading to casualties on both sides. One of them admitted that a prominent figure had provided eight million naira to the soldiers for the operation. That’s the truth of what occurred.”
“On Friday, the soldiers, accompanied by twelve Gunboats, arrived to burn down our community. Initially, there were five gunboats, later joined by seven more military vessels. It’s worth noting that many of those presumed to be deceased soldiers were Okoloba boys dressed in military attire,” he elaborated.
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