The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Monday debunked the claims making round that it has carried out reprisal attacks in the Okuama community of Delta State.
Four officers and 12 Soldiers deployed to broker peace between the warring communities of Okoloba and Okuama were mindlessly killed on March 14 in the community.
The Director Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba clarified this in a statement noting that the military as a disciplined organization would always operate in compliance with the provisions comprising the rules of engagement, laws of armed conflict and the respect for human rights.
The Director expressed worries that the ugly incident in the Okuama community of Delta State was one of many the troops experienced whilst protecting the lives of Nigerians.
He assured that the military would not be led by emotions but there would be “measured responses and injurious consequences for the perpetrators of these dastardly acts”
General Buba debunked the claims being peddled that the military had carried out the reprisal attacks on the community and warned the peddlers to desist from spreading falsehood and disinformation, adding that the development is a dishonour to the fallen heroes.
“Importantly, those involved in peddling these misinformation, disinformation and fake news that the military had embarked on reprisal attacks on the community following the incident, should desist from further dishonouring our fallen heroes. Rather, it behooves the community leaders, elders and even the people of Delta State to assist the investigation to identify the perpetrators of the dastardly act so that they can be held accountable for their actions,” he added.
The statement also warned the public to resist the temptation of allowing the gullible video of the killed personnel to go viral, noting that it is distasteful for the bereaved families to see their loved ones being dehumanised in that manner.
The statement further consoled the deceased families and prayed to God to rest the souls of the departed.
Recall that on March 14, 2024, a community launched a senseless assault on the troops of the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State. This attack resulted in the tragic loss of 16 military personnel including Lt Col Ali, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 soldiers who were committed to brokering peace between warring communities.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu had earlier condemned the unfortunate incident and urged the DHQ to go after the perpetrators of this heinous act and arrest them .He also consoled with the family of the fallen heroes.
Since the incident the whole nation has risen in condemnation of the killings which had thrown families of the deceased officers , soldiers and friends into mourning.