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Tag: Okuama

  • Okuama: Real reason Police handed Delta monarch to military

    Okuama: Real reason Police handed Delta monarch to military

    The Police Command in Delta has handed over Mr Clement Ikolo, the traditional ruler of Ewu kingdom in Ugheli South Local Government Area of the state to the military authority.

    The spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development to newsmen on Friday through a terse message in Warri.

    The embattled royal father, who had surrendered himself to the police command on Thursday in Asaba, was consequently handed over to the military authority on Friday.

    King Ikolo was among the eight persons declared wanted by the military authority over the alleged recent killing of the 17 soldiers in Okuama Community in Ughelli South.

    The soldiers were allegedly ambushed and slain on March 14, 2024 while on a peace keeping mission to Okuama community.

    Also declared wanted alongside the royal father were the President- General of Ewu, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Andaowei Bakriri, Akevwru Omotegbono, Akata David, Sinclear Oghenerukevwe, Reuben
    Baru and Igoli Ebi.

    The Ewu traditional ruler had earlier on Thursday before surrendering himself to the police, claimed his innocence in the incident.

    He expressed shock that his name as the king of the Ewu kingdom would sppear in the list of wanted persons.

    “I have no hand in the killings, I have no hand in encouraging anybody to kill anybody, it is against my philosophy as a human being and my faith as a Catholic.

    “It is a serious crime against humanity and they need to look at the appropriate places and do thorough investigation to know all those who have committed this crime and bring them to book.

    “I am not a party to this and I have said earlier, the state government is aware of the turbulence I have been going through.

    “As I speak, an arrangement was  made by the government to invite those who are fighting me in the kingdom to reconcile the differences before this recent happenings.

    “I barely know anything right now, I have no information, I know nothing, I am only just in the process of setting up a structure to enable me rule in the kingdom,” Ikolo said.

  • Okuama killing: Falana faults DHQ for declaring monarch, community PG, others wanted

    Okuama killing: Falana faults DHQ for declaring monarch, community PG, others wanted

    Human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana has faulted the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) for declaring eight (8) persons wanted in connection with the killing of 17 military personnel in Okuama, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Falana to have said it is “completely illegal” for the DHQ to have declared the 8 persons wanted and that if the federal government fails to call the military to order, the case concerning the tragic murder of the soldiers will be completely bungled.

    Recall that the DHQ had declared 8 murder suspects wanted to include HRM Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, the traditional ruler of Ewu kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State, who has surrendered himself to the police, and President General (PG) of Ewu, Prof Ekpekpo Arthur.

    Reacting, Falana, in a report by Vanguard, asserted that “the decision of the defence headquarters to declare the murder suspects wanted is completely illegal” while warning the military not to bungle the case of the slain soldiers.

    He said: “The authorities of the armed forces should be made to realise that the military cannot arrest, detain, investigate and charge civilian suspects with any offence whatsoever.

    “In Dr Issa Perry Brimah v Nigerian Army, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu held that “It must be stated here without equivocation that the defendant [Nigerian Army] has no right to declare the plaintiff wanted without following the appropriate procedure.

    “The Judge further said that the defendant cannot arrest the plaintiff arbitrarily without making a formal report to law enforcement agency with the mandate to enforce law and order. Otherwise, it would transmute to self-help. The duty of the defendant is to make a formal report to the appropriate authority like the police and await the outcome.

    “In Miss Grace Anita Paul v. The Chief of Army Staff, the Army, Inspector General of Police & the Nigerian Police Force the Federal High Court where held that the Nigerian Army lacks the power to arrest, investigate and hold in custody, anyone who is not subject to the Armed Forces Act or any other military law. Justice Taiwo Taiwo, on Wednesday, warned the military not to usurp the powers of the Nigerian Police under Sections 4 and 84 of the Police Act which empowers the police to detect and investigate crime.

    “We have also read the 8 people alleged to be involved in the cruel murder of the soldiers have been declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters it is trite law that the police and security agencies lack the power to declare any suspect wanted without a court order.

    “In Benedit Peters v Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, a high court in Abuja ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission lacks (EFCC) the powers to declare anyone wanted without obtaining a court order or charging the suspect with an offence.

    “The presiding judge, Justice Othman Musa ruled that though the EFCC could declare as wanted persons who fail to honour its invitation for investigation, it could only do so if it obtains a court order for that purpose. So, the decision of the defence headquarters to declare the murder suspects wanted is completely illegal.

    “Let the federal government direct the defence headquarters to hand over the investigation of the suspects involved in the gruesome murder of the 17 officers and soldiers. It ought to be pointed out that murder is not a military offence to warrant investigation by the defence headquarters. If the federal government fails to call the defence headquarters to order, the case concerning the tragic murder of the soldiers will be completely bungled”.

  • Okuama killing: Delta monarch reports to Police

    Okuama killing: Delta monarch reports to Police

    The Ovie (King) of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, has surrendered himself to the police in the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Ewu King surrendered himself to the Police after the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) declared him wanted along with 7 others over the killing of military personnel in his kingdom.

    Ovie Ikolo reported to the Delta State Police Command in Asaba at about 6:57 pm on Thursday and was received by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi.

    Briefing journalists before surrendering to the police, the monarch denied any involvement in the killing of the slain soldiers.

    He called on the Federal and Delta State Governments to constitute independent panel of inquiry to investigate the killing of the military police within the Okuama community of his kingdom.

    He further stated that he decided to present himself to the authority to prove to the Nigerian Government and the international community that he had no hand or connection with those murdered the soldiers.

    “I am very surprised that my name as the monarch of the kingdom will appear in the list of wanted persons.

    “I have no hand in the killings. I have no hand in encouraging anybody to kill anybody. It is against my philosophy as a human being and my faith as a Catholic.

    “It is a serious crime against humanity and they need to look at the appropriate places and do thorough investigation to know all those who committed this and bring them to book let justice prevail.

    “I am not a party to this and like I have said earlier, the State Government is aware of the turbulence I have been going through and as I speak, an arrangement was made by the government to invite the opponents recently just before this happenings.

    “To invite those who are fighting me in the kingdom to reconcile the differences and allow me to go into the kingdom and start to rule as the monarch of the place.

    “I have not been able to set up anything. I have not been able to set up my traditional council. I have done nothing in the kingdom.

    “So, I barely know anything right now. I have no information. I know nothing. I am only just in the process of setting up a structure to enable me rule in the kingdom,” he said.

  • The Okuama Dead: Story Behind the Grief – By Azu Ishiekwene

    The Okuama Dead: Story Behind the Grief – By Azu Ishiekwene

    When Lt. Colonel Abdullahi Hassan Ali, 49, assumed duties as Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army, all his mother, Hassana, could do was pray.

    Three years ago, Ali’s younger brother, Jamilu, a captain, had been killed in action by bandits in Katsina State. As an officer in the North-east, Ali himself had escaped death a number of times in battles against Boko Haram insurgents.

    His father had died after retirement from the Army. After his death, Ali’s ageing mother has been nursing her loss, in addition to coping with the death of her son in Katsina, and later, the deaths of her daughter and son-in-law in a road accident.

    But Ali, a soldier’s soldier promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in November 2020, knew better than to demur when he was moved from commander of the 63 Brigade Garrison in Asaba to head the amphibious battalion. The battalion was part of efforts by the military to restructure the Joint Task Force (JTF) in 2016, following widespread oil theft in the region which, according to the Financial Times, had reached $1billion monthly.

    Task force dilemma              

    In a statement at the time, the military said the restructuring of the JTF was to “tackle the emerging security challenges in the Niger Delta region such as piracy, bunkering, vandalism and other criminal activities prevalent in the area.” 

    The task force comprising other services, but led by the military, as expedient as it was, was also an official admission that the Police could no longer cope with the situation. Oil money, mixed with militancy and violent local politics in the area, has created and nurtured private armies with money, weapons and political clout comparable to rogue states.

    The relationship between the state and some of these private armies is complicated, even incestuous. With revenues in billions of naira monthly, for example, a few are better equipped than the military. 

    But politicians don’t mind. In their desperate search for solutions to the problem of oil theft and also to consolidate their political hold, they have indulged the private armies. Officers deployed in the area are left to invent their own ways of serving two masters – the state and the communities on the one hand, and the powerful private armies on the other.

    With a population of about 31 million and over 40 ethnic groups, the Niger Delta is a cauldron, radicalised by decades of poverty, agitation, militancy and violent politics. A quarrel between a husband and wife could spill into an intra-communal dispute; an intra-communal dispute could engulf the community. 

    On March 14, a lingering spark of dispute between Okuama and Okoloba (one Urhobo and the other Ijaw, two of the largest ethnic groups in Delta State) over a fish farm, erupted in violence. 

    More questions…

    How did the officer from the amphibious battalion who led a team to Okuama on March 14 on what was supposed to be a peace mission understand and define his mandate? Was the mission to Okuama over the alleged kidnap of one Anthony Aboh from neighbouring Okoloba (in retaliation for an Okuama youth allegedly killed by persons suspected to be from Okoloba), his job as a soldier or that of a first responder, say, the police? Was the officer like many others, too embedded in the local politics to draw the line? Or did he anticipate that after the failure of the peace accord facilitated by the Delta State government, military mediation was necessary to quench the fire? 

    Media reports suggested that leaders in Okuama broke kola nuts with the officer (some accounts say he was a major) and his team when they arrived. At what point did murderous violence erupt? If people in the community were opposed to the officer taking their leader away for statements at the army base in Bomadi, as was reported, was murdering him and his team and seizing their weapons the answer?  

    Meanwhile, back at the base on the same day, Lt. Col. Ali did not know what was happening in Okuama. He was in Kano only two weeks earlier to visit his ailing mother, his wife, Hauwa, and six children, and may have visited again at Sallah, if he got a pass. Okuama was the last thing on his mind. 

    And then, it happened. Soldiers who had been waiting in a boat at the Okuama creek escaped after the peace team was attacked and reported to Ali what had befallen the major and the three other soldiers believed to have followed him into the town.

    Hindsight 

    Hindsight is 20/20. There has been no shortage of opinions about what might have been. Given the enormity of what happened to the major and his men, couldn’t Ali have done a recce, and possibly mobilised other services before going in? Did the alleged use by the military of boats belonging to a private security company perceived to have a vested interest in the conflict further endanger this mission? 

    In a conflict zone where the private armies have gunboats, specially fitted crafts, and relatively modern arms, while the military depends largely on improvisations, how is a commanding officer supposed to respond to an emergency like the one in Okuama, where his men had been murdered and their weapons seized?

    Perhaps, out of a sense of holy rage, Ali took the plunge. He gathered his men and went to Okuama. Sadly, that was his last journey. He and his men were ambushed and brutally killed by people they had sworn to protect. 

    The savagery has called to question the humanity of the perpetrators. Okuama has been compared with Odi in Bayelsa State in 1999, and Zaki Biam in Benue State, two years later where military operations killed hundreds of people extrajudicially.

    “Those who make such comparisons are mistaken,” a retired top military officer told me over the weekend. “In Odi and Zaki-Biam the communities were harbouring persons believed to have committed crimes against the state. Okuama was savage militancy.”

    Perhaps one thing common to the three, however, is the increasing mismanagement, if not weaponisation of conflicts by politicians, a posture that has further damaged and compromised an undertrained, undermanned, underfunded and under-equipped military. Command and control is fuzzy. 

    In a crime scene like Okuama, for example, a commanding officer has to worry about what his chief would say and where Abuja stands with the private armies and local strongmen. Being in good standing with the host states, and of course, the morale of his troops, are also not far from his mind. The art of serving many masters, itself an enemy of a single-minded mission, complicates the terrain.

    Tail wags dog

    It’s hard to say at what point the tail of a savage few started wagging the dog of what by several accounts had been a largely peaceful community. It’s improbable that the major and his men who went first would have done so if the community had a reputation for collective savagery. Now, the entire community has a bad name and a difficult future.

    The memory of the dead deserves justice and it’s just as well that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made this clear. Perhaps, also, it is time to review the role of the military in domestic conflicts. 

    Sadly, the harvest of heart-wrenching violence in many parts of the country today, and in this instance, the Niger Delta, was largely seeded during Nigeria’s civil war. During the war, swathes of the region were ruined and radicalised by the extrajudicial killings of thousands of innocent civilians. We can’t afford to let the mission to Okuama haunt us 57 years from now.

    If two wrongs don’t make a right, we’ll do well to avoid a third, not just for the sake of the dead and their grieving families, but also to break this cycle of violence and grief.

     

    Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP

  • Delta 17: We must fish out 8 wanted persons – Army

    Delta 17: We must fish out 8 wanted persons – Army

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday declared eight persons wanted in connection with the gruesome murder of 17 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army on March 14 in Okuama community, Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the wanted persons include seven men and one woman.

    They were identified as Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono (Amagbem); Prof. Ekpokpo Arthur; Andaowei Denis Bakriri; Igoli Ebi; Akata Malawa David; Sinclair Okili; Clement Ikolo Oghenerukvwe and Reuben Baru.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces across the country.

    Buba said the military would not allow the incident that led to the killing of 17 soldiers that were buried on Wednesday, to ever happen again.

    He urged members of the public to cooperate with the military and other security agencies with useful information to help apprehend the suspects.

    According to him, the armed forces is a force for stability that employs both kinetic and non kinetic measures to achieve the desired end state.

    “Prior to the ugly incident, the military had constructed several civic projects in Delta State as a sign of good will.

    “For instance, the construction of Multipurpose Hall and Borehole Projects in Patani Local Government Area and Medical Outreach at Aladja Community in Udu Local Government Area all in Delta, among several others.

    “Nevertheless, troops would continue with their efforts until the culprits are found, arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law.

    “Citizens are our first line of intelligence and must rise to the occasion,” he said.

    The 17 personnel of 181 Amphibious Battalion comprising a Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldier were murdered by community youths while on peace mission to Okuama community.

    The slain soldiers were buried on Wednesday at the National Cemetery Abuja amidst tears and agony.

    President Bola Tinubu led other top government functionaries and governors as well as service chiefs to pay last respect to the fallen heroes.

  • BREAKING: 8 persons declared wanted over soldiers killed in Delta [SEE PHOTOS]

    BREAKING: 8 persons declared wanted over soldiers killed in Delta [SEE PHOTOS]

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared eight (8) persons wanted in connection to the murder of 17 military personnel in Okuama, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports remains of the 17 military personnel, comprising one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldiers, were laid to rest on Wednesday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.

    The 17 military personnel killed included Lt.-Col. Ali, Maj. D.E Obi, Maj. S.D. Ashafa, Capt. U. Zakari, Staff Sgt. Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, Corporal Kabir Bashir, Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna, and Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi.

    The rest are Lance Corporal Bello Anas, Private Alhaji Isah, Private Clement Francis, Private Abubakar Ali, Private Adamu Ibrahim, Private Hamman Peter, and Private Ibrahim Adamu.

    Following the funeral, the DHQ declared Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono (A.K.A Amagbem), Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Igoli Ebi, Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukevwe, and Reuben Baru wanted.

    See photos below:

    Defence Headquarters declares 8 persons wanted over murder of 17 military personnel in Delta

    We will hunt down those who killed soldiers in Delta – CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa had vowed that the military will hunt down those involved in the death of the officers and soldiers.

    Musa made this known at the funeral of the 17 military personnel on Wednesday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.

    The Defence Chief stressee that the military would honour their memory by continuing the fight against those who sought to undermine the peace and security of the nation.

    He said the fallen heroes exemplified the very best of service to nation and love for country.

    Musa said they were the vanguards of peace, the guardians of freedom, and the sentinels of security, adding that their selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty would forever be etched in their hearts and memories.

    He assured the families of the deceased officers of the support of the nation and the armed forces in every way possible, urging them to find solace in the knowledge that their loved ones made an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

    “We will remain steadfast in our resolve to build a nation worthy of your sacrifice. The loss we feel today is immeasurable, but we must not allow it to dim the light of hope within us.

    “Instead, let us use this moment as a rallying cry to come together as a nation, to support our armed forces, and to work tirelessly towards a Nigeria free from the grip of violence and insecurity.

    “We owe it to these fallen heroes to honour their memory by redoubling our efforts to create a safer and more prosperous nation for all.

    “Let us build a nation where every citizen can live without fear, where communities can thrive, and where our children can grow up knowing the true meaning of security and stability.

    “To the men and women who continue to serve in the armed forces, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your dedication to duty. Your commitment to defending our nation, even in the face of great peril, is truly commendable.

    “To the perpetrators of violence who seek to sow division and fear among our people, know this: our resolve will not waver.

    “We will hunt you down, we will bring you to justice, and we will restore peace and security to every nook and cranny of our dear nation,” Musa said.

  • Okuama killing: Soldiers left behind pregnant widows, 21 orphans – COAS

    Okuama killing: Soldiers left behind pregnant widows, 21 orphans – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army who were gruesomely murdered in Okuama Community in Delta on March 14, left behind 10 widows three of whom are pregnant and 21 orphans.

    Lagbaja made this known at the burial of the 17 personnel comprising one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldiers, on Wednesday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.

    According to him, the Okuama killing has added to the care of the Nigerian army and, by extension, the Nigeria state, 10 widows, three of whom are four, five, and eight months pregnant, 21 orphans, and many other dependents, including parents.

    “While commiserating with the families of these gallant soldiers, I assure them that the Nigerian army and the good people of this country will not leave them in the cold.

    “We shall do all within our power to provide succour to them and preserve the memories of their departed loved ones,” he said.

    Lagbaja said he considered his toughest job to be putting fine men and women in harm’s way, sometimes knowing that they might not return to their families and loved ones.

    He added that his men, correspondingly and intriguingly know that in spite of the equipment, training, and other forms of preparations, sometimes some may not make it back alive, while some may return handicapped.

    According to him, “when soldiers die in the hands of the enemies of the State, we take it as dying for what the nation has considered a just cause; we celebrate them as gallant heroes.

    “But when they are gruesomely murdered by the very people they are trained, equipped, and took an oath to protect, it is highly demoralizing.

    “It is no longer news that 17 of the Nigerian Army’s finest men, whom we have come to bury, were murdered in a reprehensible manner on March 14 in the Okuama community of Delta State while they went on a legitimate peace-making mission.

    “It grieves my heart that it took our search and recovery effort over 72 hours to recover some vital organs of the decapitated and disembowelled bodies of my men that were scattered all over the Okuama community by the community youths and their friends.

    “I consider it the most barbaric act any citizen or community can commit against the authority of the state, and I must place on record that a lot of restraints have been exercised so far in our search and recovery efforts for missing arms, ammunition, other equipment, and body parts.

    “I assure Mr President and all Nigerians that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will not be deterred by setbacks such as witnessed in the Okuama community.

    “As tasked by Mr President and Commander-In-Chief of our Armed Forces, the Nigerian Army, with the assistance of its sister services and other security agencies, is committed to bringing the perpetrators of the Okuama murder to book and recover all service and personal belongings taken from the murdered troops.

    “The Nigerian Army will continue to seek the cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly in the affected area, towards swift and successful conduct of our search and recovery operations,” he said.

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said the fallen heroes exemplified the very best of service to nation and love for country.

    Musa said they were the vanguards of peace, the guardians of freedom, and the sentinels of security, adding that their selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty would forever be etched in their hearts and memories.

    He assure the families of the deceased officers of the support of the nation and the armed forces in every way possible, urging them to find solace in the knowledge that their loved ones made an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

    The defence chief said the military would honour their memory by continuing the fight against those who sought to undermine the peace and security of the nation.

    “We will remain steadfast in our resolve to build a nation worthy of your sacrifice.

    “The loss we feel today is immeasurable, but we must not allow it to dim the light of hope within us.

    “Instead, let us use this moment as a rallying cry to come together as a nation, to support our armed forces, and to work tirelessly towards a Nigeria free from the grip of violence and insecurity.

    “We owe it to these fallen heroes to honour their memory by redoubling our efforts to create a safer and more prosperous nation for all.

    “Let us build a nation where every citizen can live without fear, where communities can thrive, and where our children can grow up knowing the true meaning of security and stability.

    “To the men and women who continue to serve in the armed forces, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your dedication to duty.

    “Your commitment to defending our nation, even in the face of great peril, is truly commendable,” he said.

    President Bola Tinubu, Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and governors of Delta, Bayelsa, Kano, Kogi and Imo states, were in attendance.

    The president announced the award of posthumous national honours on the slain soldiers as well as houses and scholarship for their children.

    Okuama killing: We lost gallant officers, soldiers – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has described the 17 officers and soldiers killed in Okuama on March 14 as patriotic, brave and gallant Nigerians.

    He said that the deceased gave their lives to defend and protect the Nation against internal and external threats.

    At the burial ceremony of the officers and soldiers on Wednesday in Abuja, Tinubu said that their death serves as a rallying point for Nigerians to condemn crime and criminality.

    “They went as peace makers and peace keepers, seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.

    “They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons. They were on a mission of peace.

    “The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats,” he said.

    17 military personnel killed included Lt.-Col. Ali, Maj. D.E Obi, Maj. S.D. Ashafa, Capt. U. Zakari, Staff Sgt. Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, Corporal Kabir Bashir, Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna, Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi, and Lance Corporal Bello Anas.

    The rest are Private Alhaji Isah, Private Clement Francis, Private Abubakar Ali, Private Adamu Ibrahim, Private Hamman Peter, and Private Ibrahim Adamu.

    Tinubu said that the deceased have all been awarded posthumous national honours.

    “The four gallant Officers have been awarded Member of the Order of Niger (MON). And the 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been Awarded Federal Republic Medals.

    “As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognise your valour and bravery.

    “I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.”

    The President urged the officers and men of the military not to be deterred by this setbacks and be prepared to continue to work for peace and harmony.

    Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to rebuilding communities and making them places where love, tolerance and harmony reigns.

    “Leaders at all levels, especially community leaders and traditional rulers, must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must end the cycle of violence and bloodletting.

    “I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice.

    “The elders and chiefs of Okuoma also have a duty to help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men.”

    The president commended the Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities.

    “We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.”

    He said that government would provide a house in any part of the country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.

    Tinubu added that all the children of the deceased would enjoy a Federal Government scholarships up to  University level.

    The President also directed the Military to within the next 90 days, ensure that all the benefits of the departed are paid to their families.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu honours officers, soldiers killed in Delta with MON, OFR

    BREAKING: Tinubu honours officers, soldiers killed in Delta with MON, OFR

    President Bola Tinubu has honoured the officers and soldiers killed in Delta State with the Member of the Order of Niger (MON) and the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal awards, respectively.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the four gallant officers were accorded the award of MON while the thirteen courageous soldiers who also lost their lives were awarded the OFR award.

    The remains of the 17 military personnel killed, reportedly in Okuama community in Delta on March 14, were laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The bodies, which arrived at about 2:26 pm, were conveyed by the Military Ambulance Emergency vehicles and FCT Ambulance Emergency services among others.

    President Bola Tinubu, top government functionaries and top military echelons from various formations across the country attended the funeral to pay last respect to the fallen heroes.

    Also, distraught family members and relatives of the slain personnel as well as wives of other military officers were also on ground.

    Recall that the troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State while on peace mission were surrounded and killed by some irate youths in the community.

    The incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call in communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities, both in Delta State.

    The personnel comprised one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldiers.

    The officers are Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt. Col. A.H Ali; Maj S.D Shafa (N/13976); Maj D.E Obi (N/14395) and Capt U Zakari (N/16348).

    The soldiers are SSgt Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974); Cpl Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274); Cpl Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853); LCpl Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844); LCpl Sola Opeyemi (17NA/760719); and LCpl Bello Anas (17NA/76/290).

    They also include LCpl Hamman Peter (NA/T82653); LCpl Ibrahim Abdullahi (18NA/77/1191); Pte Alhaji Isah (17NA/76/6079); Pte Clement Francis (19NA/78/0911); Pte Abubakar Ali (19NA/78/2162); Pte Ibrahim Adamu (19NA/78/6079) and Pte Adamu Ibrahim (21NA/80/4795).

    Speaking at the funeral, Tinubu said all the fallen heroes have now been awarded the posthumous national honours.

    “It is with heavy heart that I join you today to commit to earth, the remains of our officers and men who died in the course of duty on 14 March 2024 in Okuama Community, Delta State.

    “The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats. Their sacrifice will be remembered and honoured for generations to come and their.

    “On 14 March, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, led three other officers and 13 soldiers to the Okuama Community to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba Community.

    “They went as peace makers and peace keepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.

    “They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons. They were on a mission of peace.

    “Before the dastardly attack, Lt. Colonel Ali, as the Chief of Army Staff briefed me, enjoyed great operational exploits; fighting terrorists and insurgents in the North East and North West before his deployment to the Niger Delta.

    “Ali kept faith with his military calling till the end.

    “On behalf of a grateful nation, we honour the sacrifice of Ali and the other gallant patriots who died that day. They will forever be remembered as heroes who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price.

    *Each man now belongs to the hallowed list of servicemen and women who defended our country and protected their fellow Nigerians not minding the risk to their own lives.

    “They have all been awarded posthumous national honours. The four gallant Officers have been accorded the Award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON). The thirteen courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been Awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal.

    “I commiserate with the families of our fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces. I share in the pain and grief you carry today. It is my prayer that God will comfort all who are bereaved as a result of this tragedy.

    “It is worth restating the debt of gratitude we owe these valiant soldiers and their families.

    “As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces  for granted. I recognise your valour and bravery. I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.

    “While we continue to grieve for the courageous men we lost that day, let us also, on this solemn occasion, be reminded of the unfinished business of working for peace and harmony in our communities.

    “We must begin to rebuild our communities and make them into places where love, tolerance and harmony will reign. Leaders at all levels especially community leaders and traditional rulers must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must endthe cycle of violence and bloodletting.

    “I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice.

    “The elders and chiefs of Okuoma also have a duty to help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men.

    “I wish to also commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities. We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.

    “To the entire armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have a message for you: Do not let the death of your compatriots discourage you. There is no higher honour than the vocation you have chosen to pursue. We cherish you. We cherish your labour of love. We salute your daily sacrifice in protecting your fellow citizens from danger. We acknowledge your sacrifices to defend our nation.

    “Within our continent, our sub-region and across the world, the Nigerian Military has remained a force for good, embodying a great example and keeping our democracy safe.

    “It is now our duty to protect the families of our departed heroes.

    The Federal Government will provide a house in any part of our country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.

    “The Federal Government has also approved scholarships to all the children of the deceased up to the University level.

    “The Military must, within the next ninety days, ensure that all the benefits of the departed are paid to their families.

    “May the families of the departed  and all their loved ones find the strength to bear the pain of this loss.

    “May God grant our heroes eternal rest.

    “May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep our troops safe, always,” Tinubu said.

  • VIDEO: Bodies of officers, soldiers killed in Delta arrive National Cemetery for burial

    VIDEO: Bodies of officers, soldiers killed in Delta arrive National Cemetery for burial

    The remains of the 17 officers and soldiers who were reportedly ambushed and killed while on peacekeeping operations in Okuama, Delta State, have arrived at the national military cemetery in Abuja, where they will be laid to rest

    It was reported that the bodies arrived at the cemetery at exactly 2:33 pm.

    In a video, military and other private hospital ambulances were seen driving into the venue of the burial ceremony.

    Family members, top military officers, and other top government functionaries had arrived at the cemetery, awaiting the arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is the special guest of honour at the burial ceremony.

    See the video below:

  • Pa Edwin Clark fumes, raises alarm as military men raid his house

    Pa Edwin Clark fumes, raises alarm as military men raid his house

    Elder statesman and National Leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has condemned a military raid on his country home in Kiagbodo Local Government Area of Delta State over the recent killing of soldiers in the state, declaring he should be allowed to die peacefully but if anything unusual happens to him the fire would rage for a long time.

    In a statement Clark recounted how he was inundated with calls on the raid of his country home by military men in search of a suspect linked to the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama.

    The Ijaw leader said someone, who was later identified as the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Army’s Division in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, apologised on behalf of the army for the raid.

    According to him, the military men reportedly arrived in five trucks loaded with about 30 to 40 armed soldiers, while flying drones were deployed within the premises.

    Clark said: “Some of them went to the buildings behind the main house and broke all the doors that were locked. They matched out my staff living in those buildings, including lecturers at the university, and made them to `sit on bare ground.

    “They also broke into my late brother, Ambassador Akporode Blessing Clark’s house. He served this country internationally in various capacities, including as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as both of us share the same premises. They brought out his son almost naked, as the young man was taking a bath when they stormed the house.

    “All their phones were seized. The people had to identify themselves, and they told them (soldiers) whose house it was before they asked for my telephone number, which they said they would pass to their ‘oga’ before they all departed.

    “One would have expected that at this juncture, a call could have been put to the Governor of Delta State to inform him of what happened.”

    The elder statesman said the incident was “beyond coincidence” but a source of concern.

    He recounted a similar raid on his Abuja home on September 4, 2018, describing the authorisation of such raids as “disrespectful and unlawful”, having served the country nearly 70 years in different capacities.

    “I want to end this write-up by addressing all concerned with what I told President Muhammadu Buhari when my security details were withdrawn. If I die today as a result of a natural occurrence, it will be a joyful celebration. But if my death is linked to any dubious means by some overzealous state actors, no one can tell how far the fire will rage. This is not a threat. It is an acknowledgement of God’s mercies on me,” Clark added.