Soldiers' Murder: Why 16 Officers Were Killed in Delta Community, Okuama Man Opens Up in Viral Video

• A resident of Okuama community in Delta state has alleged in a viral video that the 16 soldiers who were killed in the area did not actually come for peacekeeping
• The youthful resident claimed that the deceased soldiers were on a mission to protect the interest of popular Niger Delta warlord, Tompolo
• Legit.ng reports that the incident, which occurred on Thursday, March 14, has sent shock waves throughout the south-south region

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering governance and security matters.

Okuama, Delta state - A young man has released a video explaining what allegedly led to the killing of 16 soldiers in Okuama in Delta state.

The unidentified man said two warring communities, Okuama and Okoloba, had been embroiled in a land dispute which degenerated into a crisis. He, however, blamed the government and leaders for not calling both communities for a genuine peaceful resolution.

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According to him, the slain Nigerian security operatives who came to Okuama were loyalists of Government Ekpemupolo, popularly called Tompolo.

Legit.ng reports that Tompolo is a former militant leader who was awarded a $50 million (N37.5 billion monthly) contract by the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to secure oil and gas pipelines in the Niger Delta region.

The man said:

“This is the last video I will make over the fight between Okuama community and Okoloba community.

“The Ijaw people from Okuama community used army to carry three people from Okoloba community. The three people were all killed.

“The federal government gave some people power to do (oil) bunkering and after doing the bunkering, the army followed and guard them to sell the product. They betrayed their brothers and their own blood."

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The man continued:

"People are making comments that the soldiers that were killed were for peacekeeping. Point of correction; they were not there for peacekeeping. They are fighting in favour of Tompolo because Tompolo has ordered them to do so.

“The 16 soldiers were killed when they came to take away our community leaders and the youths knew that when they take them (the community leaders) away, they will be powerless. That was the reason the 16 soldiers were attacked.

He added:

“My father was a retired army officer who died last year (2023). I have lost six of my people to the fight between Okuama and Okoloba community. The federal government can declare me wanted after making this video."

Watch the video below:

Read more about Delta attack

• Community leader says soldiers’ killers unknown as DHQ releases photos of slain officers
• Killing of soldiers: Video of Obasanjo speaking on Odi massacre of 1999 trends
• "Premeditated": Atiku reacts as scores of Nigerian soldiers are killed in Delta attack

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Tinubu announces national honours for slain soldiers

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Bola Tinubu announced that the military officials who were brutally killed in Okuama would be given a befitting burial and national honours.

Speaking at the breaking of Ramadan fast on Wednesday, March 20, in Abuja with the speaker of the house of representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the leadership of the House, Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the bereaved.

Source: Legit.ng