By Austin Ogwuda
“We will not rest, we will continue to conduct operation until our equipment and our arms that were carted away have been recovered” – Army
THE people of Okuama community in Delta State Nigeria have been told to be ready to witness surprise and continuous military raids until the arms carted away during the bloody killing of 17 Military Officers are fully recovered.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam gave the hint while responding to questions from newsmen in connection with the recent raid.
Abdussalam spoke on Tuesday at Effurun in Uvwie, Delta State, while fielding questions from journalists during the commissioning of 3 Battalion Soldiers Transit Accommodation constructed by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
His words, “I will remember with sadness, the event of March 14th where our troops were brutally murdered in Okuama. We will not rest, we will continue to conduct operation until our equipment and our arms that were carted away have been recovered.
“I don’t understand what you mean by soldiers invaded the place. This is Nigeria, if there are soldiers there; they are not coming from another country.
“If Nigerian Army goes to a place and conduct operation, why do you say invade? We are not going to another country. It is Nigeria. If we are conducting operation anywhere we are conducting normal military operation. So, it was normal military operations”, he stated.
Asked if it was his men or criminal elements in Military uniforms that attacked Okuama on Monday, Abdussalam said, “This is the same allegation that was used to kill our troops – that civilians were using our uniforms. We know that there are criminals that use military uniforms from time-to-time, but they don’t move in gunboats. Gunboats with guns mounted on them and with the inscription of Army on them”.
He however declined to comment on whether there were casualties during Monday’s latest attack on Okuama.
However, unconfirmed reports said at least no fewer than three persons were reportedly shot dead and over six Villagers either arrested or missing during the operation.
Meantime, the Monarch of Ewu-Urhobo kingdom,
His Majesty, Clement Ikolo has appealed to his subjects – people of Okuama community to remain calm as amicable solution was in the offing towards a peaceful resolution of the current situation.
He particularly called on them to apply wisdom and remain patient by avoiding any actions that might escalate situation of the existing fragile peace.
*Credit: Niger Delta Today