Suspected individuals from Okuama community allegedly ambushed and killed soldiers, including four officers.

The Nigerian military has refuted claims of responsibility for the reprisal attack on Okuama community in Delta State, suggesting instead that the retaliatory assault might have been carried out by the rival Okoloba community.

Timeless Update reported that suspected individuals from Okuama community ambushed and killed the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers on Thursday.

Although the military initially reported 16 casualties, it later updated the count to 17, including a lieutenant colonel, two majors, one captain, and 13 soldiers.

The military confirmed the soldiers’ deaths on Saturday. Subsequently, on Sunday morning, the Okuama community was attacked, resulting in the burning of many houses. The military has denied involvement in this Sunday morning attack.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, stated on Monday that the community was deserted before troops arrived. He urged those spreading news of reprisal attacks by soldiers to refrain from further dishonoring the fallen heroes.

Major General Buba called on community leaders, elders, and the people of Delta to identify the perpetrators so they could be held accountable. He suggested that the burning of Okuama could have been carried out by the Okoloba community, with whom Okuama had been in conflict, prompting the deployment of soldiers.

While expressing sorrow over the loss of soldiers, Major General Buba emphasized that there would be measured responses and consequences for the perpetrators. He assured the public of the military’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens nationwide.

Major General Buba reminded Nigerians that the armed forces comprise citizens from across the nation who have sworn to defend the country. He stated that troops were deployed across states to intervene in security breaches.

“The tragic incident in Okuama Community in Delta underscores the dangers our troops face in securing our nation,” Major General Buba said. “The military assures that there will be measured responses and consequences for the perpetrators of this dastardly act.”

He emphasized that the armed forces, as a disciplined force, adhere to rules of engagement, laws of armed conflict, and respect for human rights.