Headlines

Okuama-Ewu Community Denies Involvement in Ambush Attack on Military Personnel, Files N151 Billion Suit Against Federal Government

It was revealed that the soldiers’ deaths occurred during a confrontation that ensued when military personnel insisted on taking community leaders to their base in Bomadi, Bomadi Local Government Area. Despite the community leaders’ plea to visit the base independently, tensions escalated, leading to the unfortunate incident. Esegba stressed that the soldiers were not attacked within the community premises but were ambushed along the Forcados River while departing from Okuama-Ewu. This version contradicts initial reports and underscores the community’s assertion of innocence in the tragic events.

Published

1 week ago

April 24, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Okuama-Ewu Community Denies Involvement in Ambush Attack on Military Personnel

Community leaders of Okuama-Ewu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have vehemently denied reports suggesting their involvement in the ambush attack that resulted in the deaths of 17 military personnel on March 14.

In a supporting affidavit submitted to the Federal High Court in Warri, Secretary-General Bernard Esegba clarified that the slain soldiers were not killed within their community but along the Forcados River while returning to their base in Bomadi, Bomadi Local Government Area.

According to Esegba, on March 14, military personnel met with Okuama community leaders and demanded that the community chairman and other leaders accompany them to their base in Bomadi.

Despite the community leaders’ polite appeal to allow them to visit the base independently, tensions escalated, resulting in sporadic shooting by “over-zealous” military personnel. This altercation led to the death of some community elders and leaders, with others sustaining serious injuries.

Esegba further stated that the military personnel left the community in haste after sensing the tense atmosphere at the Okuama Town Hall. Contrary to initial reports, the community denies attacking the soldiers and asserts that the ambush occurred after the soldiers left Okuama-Ewu.

Community leaders refute claims of involvement in ambush, assert slain soldiers were attacked along Forcados River, and initiate legal action against government entities.

In response to the incident, the Okuama-Ewu community has taken legal action against the Federal Government, Attorney-General of the Federation, Armed Forces of the Federation, Chief of Defence Staff, Nigerian Police, and Commissioner of Police, Delta State.

The community filed a N151 billion suit, seeking redress for the alleged assault, battery, maiming, and murder of unarmed members, as well as property destruction during subsequent military attacks on the community from March 15 to March 25.

The controversy surrounding the deaths of the 17 military personnel continues to unfold, with conflicting narratives emerging from both the community and the army authorities. The outcome of the legal proceedings will shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident and its aftermath.

Exciting news!

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