The Nigerian army is attempting to explain why Okuama community is still on lockdown, and why residents of the Delta town are yet to have access to their homes days after the military took over the community, saying they are currently conducting a cordon and search in the community.
The chief of defence staff, general Christopher Gwabin Musa, also assured that the traditional ruler of Ewu kingdom in Ughelli south local government area of Delta state, HRM Clement Oghenerukevwe, is safe and secure in their care. General Musa made this known on Wednesday while appearing as a guest on ARISE television.
Recall that the defence headquarters had, on March 28th, declared eight persons, including the traditional ruler of Ewu kingdom, wanted over their alleged roles in the recent killing of 17 military personnel at Okuama in Delta state.
Following the declaration, the traditional ruler surrendered himself to the police and maintained that he had no hands in the killings of the military personnel.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, the chief of defence staff stated that there is no cause for alarm regarding the safety of the traditional ruler in their care.
According to him, the traditional ruler is in safe and secure hands, adding that the military just needed some clarification from him.
Although the traditional ruler might not have directly taken part in the killings of the slain military personnel, general Musa suggested that he might have had knowledge or understanding of what was going on.
He urged Nigerians to understand that the military is only after the interests of Nigeria and will not act against innocent citizens, emphasizing that they are only targeting individuals involved in criminal activities.
