Residents of Okuama in Delta State has allege that soldiers killed 50 people in cold blood, sparking concerns of genocide in the community.
A harrowing account has emerged from the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, detailing a tragic incident where soldiers allegedly opened fire, resulting in the deaths of approximately 50 individuals, as reported by Vanguard.
The unfolding saga intensified as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State visited the embattled community, just four days following an ambush that claimed the lives of 16 military personnel, including a lieutenant colonel.
Residents recounted their ordeal from hiding, having fled into the bushes after the March 14th ambush of soldiers.
Contrary to the residents’ testimonies, military authorities dismissed their claims as propaganda. The Army Headquarters labeled the community’s assertions as “media propaganda and shenanigans,” accusing them of complicity in the incident rather than aiding in the apprehension of the perpetrators.
Residents shared their version of events, describing a peaceful interaction with the military initially. They welcomed the soldiers, who arrived in two gunboats purportedly for a peace dialogue. However, tensions escalated when the military insisted on taking away the community chairman and other leaders for questioning after the talks, a request that was met with resistance.
According to witnesses, the situation turned violent when the military opened fire at the town hall during a meeting with the community members, resulting in casualties. Subsequent attacks on March 15th saw houses in the community set ablaze, forcing residents to flee for safety.
One resident recounted, “They asked for the community chairman and leaders. They sat with them for peace talks. After that, they demanded to take the leaders away. The community refused, and the army opened fire, resulting in casualties.”
Another survivor lamented the loss of loved ones and called for government intervention to rescue those still in hiding.
Regarding the soldiers’ deaths, the community denied initiating the attack, emphasizing their cooperation with the military before the situation escalated.
As accusations fly between Okuama and neighboring Okoloba communities, each blaming the other for the violence, Okuama residents appealed to national authorities to intervene and ensure impartiality in military operations.
In response, the Army condemned the killings of their personnel, describing the incident as “despicable” and “orchestrated.” They pledged to identify and prosecute the perpetrators while assuring the public of no reprisal attacks.
The Chief of Army Staff reiterated the commitment to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice, emphasizing that there would be no sanctuary for those responsible for the heinous acts.
