Security

THE Forum of Delta State Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) has condoled with the Nigeria army and the families of soldiers killed at Okuoma community in Ughelli South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The Coordinator of the Forum, Mr Okezi Odugala, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Asaba, said the group was saddened over the ugly incident that led to the deaths of some security personnel.

NAN reports that the battalion Commanding Officer in the area, Lt.-Col. AH Ali, two Majors, one Captain and 12 soldiers on a peace mission to Okuoma community were killed in an ambush.

Odugala said, ”We commiserate with the army for losing their gallant soldiers as well as the families that lost their dear ones,”.

He called on the federal government to thoroughly investigate the matter by constituting a panel to unravel the causes of the incident with a view to proffering a lasting solution.

He regretted that the land dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities had snowballed to a very tragic situation.

”We want to call for stoppage in the ongoing reprisal killings and destruction of properties by parties to reduce the present tension and hostility in the area,” he appealed.

Odugala, on behalf of the forum, called on the security authorities to go after the culprits who caused the mayhem in a constitutional means.

“Let local and international human rights protocols be respected in addressing this very sad development for the sanctity of human lives,’’ he said.

”We want to appeal that the ongoing burning of Okuama community be stopped because innocent citizens, especially the elderly and vulnerable persons, law abiding youths, women and children are suffering over an offence they did not commit.

”We also call on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to intervene and help stop the present destruction of lives and properties in Okuoma,” he said. (NAN)

A.

-March 19, 2024 @ 15:59 GMT|

Tags: Lt.-Col. AH Ali