There is palpable fear and tension in the Okuama and Okoloba communities of Ughelli South LGA of Delta State in South-South Nigeria, following the horrific murder of soldiers by youths while they (soldiers) were on a mission to restore peace to the two warring communities.

According to a statement by the Nigerian Army, the soldiers who were killed by the youths in ambush on Thursday include a Lieutenant Colonel, a Major, a Captain, and 12 other rank and file soldiers.

In the military statement issued on Saturday by the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the soldiers were on a rescue mission to Okuama community to free a hostage identified as Anthony Aboh, who was allegedly abducted over a lingering land dispute between the two communities when they were ambushed and killed.

“The troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, while on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State, were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March, 2024,” the statement said.

“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.

“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.”

Also reacting to the incident, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has ordered the immediate arrest and investigation of all those involved in the heinous crime.

“The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Government. However, the military remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.

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

Despite assurances by the Delta State government and military authorities that the situation has been put under control, there are fears of a reprisal attacks by aggrieved soldiers who will be out to avenge the killings of their colleagues.

Thus far, there have been reports of an invasion of the Okuama community by soldiers after the discovery of more dead bodies floating in a river in the area.

Some residents who fled the community reported that following the abduction and killing of the soldiers, some of their colleagues invaded and burned down houses in the community.

A community who spoke to journalists on the condition of anonymity said tension has heightened in Bomadi, the headquarters of Bomadi council, when convoys of Military Police, MP, trooped into the JTF command on Saturday with a helicopter hovering around the town.

The Head of Personnel Management in Bomadi LGA, Ighomrore Hope, who also expressed his fears, said:

“My counterpart in Ughelli South and I went to Asaba when we heard of the first hostage-taking. We reported the matter to government office in charge of the issue headed by one Chief Uzor. But we were told there was an already signed peace pact between the two communities.

“What is happening now is really beyond me and I don’t know how to describe those behind this gruesome killing of people. I want to appreciate the effort of the security forces in Bomadi for the endless efforts made to curb the crisis between these two communities before this unwarranted incident”, he said.

Chairman of the Okoloba community, Clement Koki, however, said no Ijaw community killed any soldier.

“I want to say that no Ijaw community killed any soldier as I have just read on the internet. The military knows who ambushed and killed their men and they have reacted accordingly.

“We have also found the lifeless body of Mr Anthony Aboh floating on River Forcados, and like other victims, he was blindfolded with hands tied behind his back,” he added.