Group Calls For Swift Action Against Youths Responsible For Killing 16 Soldiers During Community Clash

ABUJA, FCT, NIGERIA – The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has strongly condemned the brutal murder of 16 personnel of the 181 Amphibious Battalion in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.

AANI has demanded justice for the fallen soldiers, emphasizing that leniency should not be shown to the perpetrators, and labeling the killings as utterly unforgivable.

The tragic incident occurred when a group of youths ambushed and killed 16 officers and men of the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army during a peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Among those killed were the Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 soldiers.

Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, the Acting Director of Defence Information, disclosed this heartbreaking news on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Abuja.

He revealed that the troops fell victim to an ambush while responding to a distress call resulting from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta.

Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and instructed the arrest of those involved in the heinous crime. The matter has also been reported to the Delta State Government.

Expressing solidarity with the military and the families of the fallen heroes, AANI emphasized that such barbaric acts should not go unpunished.

They demanded swift and decisive action from both the Federal and Delta State governments, urging that the perpetrators, including community leaders, face the full force of the law.

Furthermore, AANI stressed the need for preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.

They called for the swift prosecution of the culprits, particularly the youths involved, and emphasized holding traditional rulers accountable for any negligence.

Despite the cowardly attack, AANI commended the unwavering dedication of the military and urged them to remain steadfast in ensuring justice prevails.

They also called on the community to cooperate fully with security agencies to prevent further bloodshed and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a separate development, soldiers of the Joint Task Force, under the supervision of Major General Jamal Abdussalam, recovered fourteen lifeless bodies of soldiers killed in Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Some of the recovered corpses were reportedly mutilated, indicating the severity of the violence inflicted upon them.

Operatives of the 6 Division Nigerian Army have cordoned off the entire communities in Bomadi and Ughelli South local government areas of Delta State, underscoring the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the situation.