By Austin Ogwuda
THE Chief of Defence Staff, CDC, General Christopher Musa has broken silence on why residents of Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State are yet to have access to their homes since the unfortunate killing of soldiers there.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme Wednesday, Musa explained that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and residents of Okuama where the attack took place have no access to the community because the security agencies were carrying out what it described as “cordon and search” operation in the area.
His words, “We are currently conducting a cordon and search in the community. Cordon and search operation means we are searching every nook and cranny within the community because they have a lot of illegal funds from crude oil theft. They have bought a lot of weapons.
“It is for us to thoroughly clean the community to ensure that no weapon, no explosive is left in the community. I can tell you at the end of the operation, residents of the community will always go back”.
He however did not mention when the siege would be over.
In another development, the Chief of Army Staff Lt General Abiodun Lagbaja has raised the hope of Nigerians that “we (Army) can effectively combat insecurity and restore peace to our country”.
The Army Chief who was represented by the General Officer, 6 Division and land component Commander, Joint Taskforce South- South Operations (Delta Safe), Major General Jamal Abdussalam however condemned the actions of non-state actors aiming to undermine the security, welfare, and overall prosperity of the country.
He spoke at Nigerian Army Civil-Military Media chat for First Quarter of 2024 held in Asaba on Wednesday.
Said he, “Nigerian Army is aware of the complexities and difficulties presented by the current security landscape in the nation.
“Consequently the urgency to address security challenges has necessitated the re-strategizing and rejigging of deployed troops to give the desired results bearing in mind the uniqueness of the various theatres operations.
”It is crucial to emphasize that the actions of non-state actors aiming to undermine the security, welfare, and overall prosperity of our country would be significantly diminished and most nonexistent without the collaboration of certain unpatriotic and unscrupulous individuals within our society.
“In this regard”, he went on, “the unprovoked killing of some of our troops carrying out their constitutional assignments in Okuma Community of Delta State comes to mind.
“The dastardly act was executed in the most barbaric and cruel manner which is unacceptable and condemnable.
”Let us recognize that in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, our collective security depends on our ability to work together effectively and harmoniously.
“Together, let us harness the power of communication to promote peace, unity, and resilience in the face of adversity.
“There is the need to build the society where the military and the media are united in their commitment to safeguarding our nation and upholding the values that defines us as Nigerians”, he added.
*Additional report from Niger Delta Today