Operation Delta Safe, the Joint Security Task Force for Niger Delta, has vowed that there would be measured responses from the military and injurious consequences for the perpetrators of the dastardly act of killing troops on a peace mission in Okuama, Delta state.
However, Delta Safe stated that its provisions would temper the armed forces, guaranteeing that they would be led by the rule of law rather than emotions, as they are a disciplined force that adheres to laws of armed conflict, rules of engagement, and respect for human rights.
In a statement Monday night by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major Gen. Edward Buba said, “It is against this background that the military debunks all claims that the military embarked on reprisal attacks in Okuama Community after the incident.
“The community was deserted even before troops arrived at the scene.
“Importantly, those involved in peddling this misinformation, disinformation, and fake news that the military had embarked on reprisal attacks on the community following the incident, should desist from further dishonouring our fallen heroes.
“It is no longer news that troops of Operation Delta Safe suffered a setback that resulted in loss of lives of gallant personnel of the armed forces.
“These personnel were on a peace mission to Okuama Community of Delta State when members of the community launched unprovoked attacks on the unsuspecting troops killing the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, 2 Majors, 1 Capt, and 12 personnel of the battalion.
“The senseless and barbaric killings of these men is a tragedy.
“They were killed in a dehumanised and unspeakable manner.
“Accordingly, on behalf of the CDS, Gen. CG Musa, the armed forces mourn the loss of these gallant troops that paid the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
“We console their families, colleagues and loved ones over the tragic incident.
“They have died trying to restore peace in the nation.
“It is necessary to reiterate that both the Constitution and the Armed Forces Act saddled the military with the responsibility of the protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation.
“Accordingly, the armed forces consist of citizens from every nook and cranny of the nation, that have taken an oath of allegiance to put themselves in harm’s way to defend our great country.
“Given the ongoing security situation across the country, troops are deployed on internal security operations in about all the states of the federation.
“Troops intervene to de-escalate and contain tensed situations.
“However, the ugly incident in Okuama Community in Delta State is indicative of the dangers our gallant troops experience in order to secure our nation.
“The military assures that there will be measured responses and injurious consequences for the perpetrators of these dastardly acts.
Buba added, “It behooves on the community leaders, elders, and even the people of Delta State to assist in the investigation to identify the perpetrators of the dastardly act so that they can be held accountable for their actions.
“Furthermore, it must be noted that the dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities remains unresolved.
“It therefore implies that there could be untoward activities not initiated by the military.
“Overall, there is no doubt, that this is an extremely sad development and untoward activity by members of the Okuama community against troops that were there to protect them.
“We urge the public to resist the temptation of allowing any videos of the incident of the killed personnel to go viral.
“Their loved ones are still alive, even though they have died protecting our country and its citizens.
“It would be a dishonor to the fallen heroes to allow such ugly videos of their demise to go viral.
“Above all, as the military mourns, it remains ever determined to ensure the safety and security of citizens across the country.”
