By Andrew Oota
Immediate past President of the Senate and chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, says the killing of at least sixteen military personnel in Okuoma community of Delta State, last Thursday, is an assault on the security and stability of the Niger Delta region.
The position of the Committee was contained in a statement issued signed by Senator Lawan.
In the statement, senator Lawan expressed sadness at the number of lives lost and properties destroyed, following the crisis which ensued between Okuoma and Okoloba communities.
He calls on the Nigerian military and security agencies, to take urgent action to investigate the killings, bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace and order to the area.
The former Senate President tasks the people of Okuoma community to provide useful information that will lead to the arrest of the culprits behind the heinous act.
The statement reads, “The Senate Committee on Defence strongly condemn the killing of military personnel in Okuoma, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday, March 14, 2023.
“The Committee mourns the death a Commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain, twelve soldiers, and a civilian who were killed while the military was responding to a crisis between Okuoma and Okoloba communities.
“This heinous act of violence perpetrated by the attackers on our troops is a direct assault on the security and stability of the Niger Delta region. We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the destruction inflicted on the community.
“We call on the relevant authorities, including the Nigerian military and security agencies, to take urgent action to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace and order to the area. We urge them to conduct a thorough investigation, apprehend the attackers, and prosecute them to the full extent of the law.
“We also urge the people of Okuoma to provide useful information that will lead to the arrest of the culprits who are out to distabilise the peace, security and stability of the region.
“Furthermore, we demand that the federal government provide adequate support to the families of those killed.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. We stand in solidarity with the people of Okuoma and call for an end to the violence and impunity that has plagued their community.”
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