Senate Calls for Justice for Slain Officers in Delta Ambush

The Senate has called for justice for the officers and soldiers killed by unknown gunmen during a peace mission to the riverside Ijaw and Urhobo communities in Delta State.

No fewer than 16 military officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army were killed after they were ambushed by criminals, including the Commanding Officer of 181 Battalion, two Army Majors, and 13 soldiers.

Most of the deceased security personnel, according to reports, were beheaded and dismembered by the killers while about 14 corpses have been evacuated and brought to the jetty of the Niger Delta Development Commission in Bomadi, the headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area of the state.

The troops were deployed to quell the crisis between an Urhobo community, Opuama, and Ijaw community, Okoloba, in Ughelli South and Bomadi local government areas, respectively, before being ambushed by the gunmen.

In a condolence message to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Senate, through its Committee on Army chaired by Senator AbdulAziz Yar’Adua, condemned the massacre of the security personnel by the gunmen and assured support for necessary investigations and legal actions.

Senator Yar’Adua commended the swift response of the Chief of Defence Staff in directing an immediate investigation to apprehend those responsible for the heinous crime. The Senate Committee on the Nigerian Army stands alongside the Defense Headquarters to seek justice for the fallen heroes and support the necessary processes to ensure the perpetrators face the consequences of their actions.

Thoughts and prayers are extended to the families of the fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces as the sacrifice and service of the brave personnel are honored.