Delta community razed after killing of soldiers

The Delta community where 16 soldiers were killed on Thursday has been razed, Channels Television is reporting.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Nigerian military confirmed the killing of the soldiers including four officers in a statement on Saturday. The victims included the commanding officer, two majors, one captain and 12 soldiers.

The troops were deployed to restore order between two warring communities: Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.

According to Channels Television, the Okuama coastal community where the killing of the soldiers took place was razed Sunday morning. It is not clear who razed the houses in the community or if anyone died from it but the television station reported that residents have fled to the neighbouring Ughelli community for fear of reprisals by soldiers.

Tukur Gusau, a brigadier general and spokesperson of the Nigerian military, had in his Saturday statement said the military would investigate and bring the culprits to book.

He did not indicate that the military would conduct reprisals on the community as was done during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration (1999-2007) when the military destroyed communities in Odi and Zaki Biam for killing soldiers.

There is no indication as of the time of this report that soldiers were responsible for the burning of the Okuama community.

In his Saturday statement, Mr Gusau said some suspects had been arrested.

“The military, however, remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.

“So far, a few arrests have been made while steps have been taken to unravel the motive behind the attack,’’ he said. Premium Times