About thirty-seven 37 days after seventeen (17) military personnel were killed in an attack in Okuama community of Delta state, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has visited the community to get a first-hand assessment of events that have unfolded. While there, the governor assured of the safe return of innocent indigenes who fled the community after the incident.
The governor who was accompanied by some government officials, reiterated that innocent citizens would not be made to suffer for what they know nothing about.
Speaking to reporters during the visit, the governor said “We have followed due process in the whole incident. The people (17 soldiers) have been buried and the king who was detained was released yesterday (Friday) and today (Saturday) I am here to see what happened in the Okuama community.
“The Okuama-17 is something that we did not expect to happen because it is against our bargain for peace and security which, I promised Deltans, that we are going to enhance.
“We have been enjoying peace and security since last year until the 14th of March when the four army officers and 13 soldiers were murdered.
“They were not just murdered; their bodies were mutilated and we have come here to see what happened.
“Let me again reiterate Mr President’s promise that no innocent person would be victimised and you can see that, from that time till now, there has been no harassment of citizens of this community.
“I have come to see how the innocent people of this community can be reintegrated back with the cooperation of the military.
“We know it is a big loss to them, but we have to follow due process. The Brigade Commander is with us and the newly – posted Commander of 181 Battalion, Lt Col Dabo, is also here with us, and it is a great synergy.
The governor thanked president Tinubu and assured members of the community they will soon be free to return to their homes.
“Let me once again thank Mr President and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of the Army Staff, and the Chief of the Defence Staff for their cooperation so far.
“They have been very supportive, and they have kept to their promise that innocent people will not be victimised.
“I want to assure the people of Okuama that there is no point running away from your community.
“We are going to bring you back to your community. It is only those that are involved the military are looking for”, he said.
The commanding officer, of 181 army amphibious battalion, two majors, one captain, and 13 soldiers were ambushed and killed in march, an attack which drew widespread outrage and condemnation.
Okuama where the murders took place has been inaccessible for weeks as the military and security operatives worked to fish out those behind the act.
