The Defence Headquarters,DHQ, on Tuesday debunked claims that the military embarked on reprisal attacks in Okuama Community following the senseless killings of four officers and 12 Soldiers on March 14, 2024 by irate Okuama community youths.
It said “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.”
In a statement on the update of the incident, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba noted that “the community was deserted even before troops arrived the scene.” of the incident .
Stating that there would be measured responses and injurious consequences for the perpetrators of these dastardly act, Major General Buba said the armed forces being a disciplined force that complies with rules of engagement, laws of armed conflict and the respect for human rights would be tempered by these provisions. We would not be led by emotions, but by the rule of law.”
He said that it behooves on the community leaders, elders and even the people of Delta State to assist investigation to identify the perpetrators of the dastardly act so that they can be held accountable for their actions.
“Furthermore, it must be noted that the dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities remains unresolved. It therefore implies that there could be untoward activities not initiated by the military.”
He said there is no doubt, that this is an extremely sad development and untoward activity by members of the Okuama community against troops that were there to protect them.
The military “urge the public to resist the temptation of allowing any videos of the incident of the killed personnel from going viral. Their loved ones are still alive even though they have died protecting our country and its citizens.”
He warned that it would be a dishonored to the fallen heroes to allow such ugly videos of their demise go viral. Above all, as the military mourns, it remains ever determined to ensure safety and security of citizens of this country.
Meanwhile, the CDS, Gen CG Musa console with the deceased families, colleagues and loved ones over the tragic incident. They have died trying to restore peace in the nation.
Major General Buba said that on behalf of the CDS, the armed forces mourns the loss of these gallant troops that paid the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
He said that both the Constitution and the Armed Forces Act saddled the military with the responsibility of the protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation.
He maintained that given the ongoing security situation across the country, troops are deployed on internal security operations in about all the states of the federation to . intervene to de-escalate and contain tensed situations thereby putting personnel on harm ways.