The fury of the Nigerian Army unleashed on the errant communities around Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State is at the order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Biztellers reports that the order was passed on Sunday upon which the troops moved promptly to comb the communities where about 22 operatives of the NA were massacred when they went on a peace mission.

In compliance with the order the military on Sunday commenced combing the warring communities, which has yielded the arrest of some persons, three of whom were identified prime suspects.

The President had ordered the Defence Headquarters and the Defence Chief to assert full authority to bring whoever was responsible for the malicious act to justice.

This is happening even as civil society groups and opposition parties, including presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 pools have been condemning the massacre of the military personnel.

Consequently, residents in Okouma and the environs have embarked on an exodus, including Ughelli South Local Government Area and Okolaba in the Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.

It was gathered that soldiers who moved in on the order of the President recovered the mutilated bodies of their slain colleagues in the area.

The unfortunate soldiers were on a peace mission under the supervision of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Jamal Abdussalam.

Those affected by the incident were a commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain, 12 soldiers, and one civilian lost their lives in the ambush on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

This happened because the soldiers came on a Joint Task Force (JTF) on a peace mission the neighbouring communities having been engaged in a communal land dispute since January 27, 2024.

It was gathered that some youths from Okoloba ambushed and killed three Okuama youths, Igho Meshack, Godspower Awusa, and Okiemute Agbabuleke, over an age-long land dispute in the area as they were returning from Okwagbe.

The corpses of the deceased were said to have been hidden by the assailants.

In the same vein, some Okuama youths on Wednesday reportedly ambushed one Anthony Aboh, an indigene of Okoloba, and held him hostage.

This led to Chairman, Okoloba Community calling in the Divisional Police Officer, Bomadi Police Division, the Joint Task Force, the Department of State Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Unfortunately, the swift intervention of the JTF was met with a totally unexpected twist as the operatives were massacred.

The situation has degenerated with the army receiving the orders of the both the President and the Senate to defend itself and send clear deterrent signals to other communities who might be minded towards undermining legitimate security operations.

President Tinubu’s order was contained in a statement he personally signed.

He wrote, “The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.”

The response is titled ‘Statement on the killing of Nigerian soldiers on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Delta State.’

While noting that the military high command was already responding to this incident, President Tinubu gave fresh marching orders for the manhunt and prosecution of the perpetrators.

“The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.

“As the Commander-in-Chief, I join all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces to mourn and express my profound grief over the needless death of our gallant soldiers,” President Tinubu declared.

In addition, he extended his “profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones.”

The Senate condoled with the military over the killing of the commanding officer of the 181 Battalion, two Army Majors, and 12 soldiers.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Nigerian Army, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, in a statement he personally signed, condoled with the service chiefs over the loss of their men.

He said, “On behalf of the 10th Senate Committee on Nigerian Army, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Chief of Defense Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army, and officers and men of Operation Delta Safe on the tragic loss of our gallant personnel who were mercilessly killed by some youths during a peace mission to Okuoma Community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

“The sacrifices made by the Commanding Officer, three officers, and 12 soldiers during this distressing incident shall forever be remembered. Their bravery and commitment exemplify the highest virtue of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice and their legacy will forever inspire us all.”

Senator Yar’Adua also pledged the unwavering support of the Senate to the investigations of the incident that led to the gruesome killing of the soldiers.

He added, “I wish to commend the swift response of the Chief of Defense Staff in directing an immediate investigation to apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime. It is crucial that justice is served and those behind this criminal act are brought to account for their actions.

“The Nigerian Army’s unwavering focus on upholding peace and security in our nation is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our Armed Forces.

“The Senate Committee on the Nigerian Army stands resolutely alongside the Defense Headquarters and the Nigerian Army in seeking justice for the fallen heroes. We shall spare no effort in supporting the necessary investigations and legal processes to ensure that those responsible for this crime face the full consequences of their actions.”