News
17 Soldiers Killed – Panic in Bayelsa as Troops Hunt for Killers
17 Soldiers Killed: Panic in Bayelsa as Troops Hunt for Killers
The recent killing of 17 soldiers in Okuoma, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State, has sent shockwaves throughout Bayelsa communities. The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators of this heinous crime, which has caused fear and panic among residents.
The suspected leader of the Okuoma killer gang, who is believed to be connected to some key officials of the state government, is currently at the center of the investigation. Governor Douye Diri and former minister Timipre Sylva have traded words over the incident, with Diri accusing Sylva of politicizing the tragedy.
The DHQ honored the soldiers killed in the attack, including the commanding officer of the 181 Battalion, Lt. Col. A. H. Aliu, Major S.D. Shafa, Major D.E. Obi, and Captain U. Zakari. In a show of anger, troops stormed an Ijaw community in Bayelsa State in search of the prime suspect, but he had already fled the area.
The alleged relationship between the suspect and top officials of the state government has raised suspicions that he may be receiving protection from authorities. As a result, the military is now focusing on tracking down family members and political allies of the suspect in the state.
While the Urhobo Renaissance Assembly expressed sympathy for the Nigerian Army over the incident, they criticized the security clampdown on Urhobo riverside communities following the killings. They urged the military to direct their efforts towards apprehending the perpetrators rather than targeting innocent communities.
In a controversial Facebook post, Timipre Sylva insinuated that those who helped Governor Diri come to power may be responsible for the soldiers’ deaths. This statement has added fuel to the already tense situation in the region.
He stated, “I condemn in totality the killing of Ken of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Okuoma, Delta State. This again shows why politicians should not arm irresponsible non-state actors.
“The last Bayelsa state governorship election featured a disheartening state sponsorship of gunmen. And today, we all see the results of that act of desperation and the unnecessary loss of Nigerian lives. My heart goes out to the families of those gallant soldiers who lost their lives.”
The ongoing manhunt for the killers and the political tensions surrounding the incident have heightened anxiety in Bayelsa. The residents are looking to the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace to the troubled region.
