28th March, 2024
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Nigeria’s military authorities have declared one Ekpekpo Arthur, a professor of Physics at the Delta State University and 7 others wanted over the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community, Delta state on 14 March
As contained in a post on the social media handles of the Defence Headquarters on Thursday morning, those declared wanted include a woman, Igoli Ebi.
The others are Reuben Baru, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukevwe, Andowei Denni Bakriri, Sinclear Okiki, Akata Malawa David and Akevwru Daniel Omotogbono (a.k.a Amagbem).
The 17 personnel of 181 Amphibious Battalion comprising a Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldier were murdered by community youths while on peace mission to Okuama community.
The slain soldiers were buried on Wednesday at the National Cemetery Abuja amidst tears and agony.
President Bola Tinubu led other top government functionaries and governors as well as service chief to pay last respect to the fallen heroes
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, told journalists Thursday in Abuja that the military would not allow the incident that led to the killing of 17 soldiers that were buried on Wednesday, to ever happen again.
He urged members of the public to cooperate with the military and other security agencies with useful information to help apprehend the suspects.
According to him, the armed forces is a force for stability that employs both kinetic and non knowledge netic measures to achieve the desired end state.
“Prior to the ugly incident, the military had constructed several civic projects in Delta State as a sign of good will.
“For instance, the construction of Multipurpose Hall and Borehole Projects in Patani Local Government Area and Medical Outreach at Aladja Community in Udu Local Government Area all in Delta, among several others.
“Nevertheless, troops would continue with their efforts until the culprits are found, arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law.
“Citizens are our first line of intelligence and must rise to the occasion,” he said.
. (NAN) (www.nannenws.ng)