Senator Ahmad Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, has condemned the killing of at least sixteen military personnel in Okuoma community, Delta State, last Thursday, viewing it as an attack on the security and stability of the Niger Delta region.
The committee’s stance was articulated in a statement released on Tuesday and endorsed by Senator Lawan, who previously served as President of the 9th Senate.
Expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction of property resulting from the crisis between Okuoma and Okoloba communities, Lawan urged the Nigerian military and security agencies to swiftly investigate the incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and restore peace and order in the area.
As a former Senate President, Lawan implored the people of Okuoma community to provide valuable information that could aid in the apprehension of those responsible for the violent act.
The statement reads, “The Senate Committee on Defence strongly condemned the killing of military personnel in Okuoma, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday, March 14, 2023.
“The Committee mourns the death of a Commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain, twelve soldiers, and a civilian who were killed while the military was responding to a crisis between Okuoma and Okoloba communities.
“This heinous act of violence perpetrated by the attackers on our troops is a direct assault on the security and stability of the Niger Delta region. We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the destruction inflicted on the community.
“We call on the relevant authorities, including the Nigerian military and security agencies, to take urgent action to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace and order to the area. We urge them to conduct a thorough investigation, apprehend the attackers, and prosecute them to the full extent of the law.
“We also urge the people of Okuoma to provide useful information that will lead to the arrest of the culprits who are out to destabilize the peace, security and stability of the region.
“Furthermore, we demand that the federal government provide adequate support to the families of those killed.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. We stand in solidarity with the people of Okuoma and call for an end to the violence and impunity that has plagued their community.”
