Fear & Trembling In Okuoma As Army Launches Counter Operations

There is fear and trembling in Okuoma, a Delta community as the Nigerian Army launches counter operations there.

The counter operations follows the killing last Thursday of the Commanding Officer 181 battalion, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col Ali, two Majors, one Captain and 12 soldiers.

The soldiers were on a peace mission to the community when they were cut down by yet-to-be named individuals.

The initial apprehension, especially the manner in which the perpetrators had beheaded some of the soldiers, has given way to fear and trembling, as Army launches counter operations there, in collaboration with the Airforce adn the Nigerian Navy.

The aim is to fish out the perpetrators of the act..

Recall that the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau while confirming the killing of the military personnel on Saturday, disclosed that

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

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“The reinforcement team led by the Commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the Commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers”, . Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau had said on Saturday, while confirming the Saturday attack.

“So far, a few arrests have been made while steps are in place to unravel the motive behind the attack.

It was a tragic incident when troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State who were on peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths and killed.

The Thursday, 14 March, 2024 incident created ripples within military circles and fears within the civilian community.

The incident led to the burning of houses and residents Okuoma community fleeing fleeing Bomadi to Ughelli community.

“This will however not stop us from achieving the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff to get all those who perpetrated this heinous crime against the state”, a source said.

There had been a long standing communal clash between neighbouring Okuoma and Okoloba communities over land matters.

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A Delta indigene resident in Lagos was full of apprehension while interacting with our correspondent in Lagos on the matter.

“When the army launches counter operations any  where, any reasonable person should be apprehensive.  You can be sure of bruises. that is the basis of my own fear”, he said