Many houses and properties in the coastal Okuama town, in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State, went up in flames hours after 16 soldiers who were on a peacekeeping mission were killed in the community.
Recall that Tukur Gusau, the Director of Information at the Defence Headquarters, in a statement on Saturday, said the military personnel comprising a lieutenant colonel, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers were killed by irate youths on Thursday.
“The troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, while on a peace mission to Okuama community in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March 2024,” Gusau said.
However In a video shown on Channels Television and many social media platforms, black smoke could be seen billowing from some buildings in the community, as flames flickered in the distance.
Findings also show that many residents of the community have fled the area for fear of reprisal attacks from military personnel.
Delta state Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has condemned the incident, promising that the perpetrators of the crime would be fished out.