Delta Senators, Monarch Condemn Killing Of 16 Soldiers

The senator representing Delta South, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas and his Delta Central counterpart in the National Assembly, Senator Ede Dafinone have condemned the murder of 16 soldiers in Okuama community, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State.

Joel-Onowakpo who reacted to the needless death of Nigerian soldiers who were on a peace mission, in a statement signed by him, said it was a crisis taken too far.

The lawmaker, who is the vice chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, commiserated with the military and the immediate families of the slain soldiers.

“A holistic investigation into the remote causes of the crisis that led to the unwarranted killing of innocent soldiers should be carried out. There is need for the security agencies to go after the masterminds of the heinous crime,” he said.

Also, the senator representing Delta Central Senatorial district, Senator Ede Dafinone, has called on the dramatis personnae involved in the ongoing carnage at Okuama Community in Ughelli South local government area to sheath their swords for the sake of humanity.

The Delta Central lawmaker also called on the state and federal government to urgently intervene to de-escalate the crisis which according to available reports has allegedly claimed more than 18 lives including that of soldiers.

“The National Emergency Management Agency, should also reach out and provide relief materials to the people of Okuama, many of whom have been rendered homeless and are now living in surrounding bushes,” he said.

Similarly, HRM Clement Ikolo, the traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom located in Ughelli south local government area of Delta State, has strongly condemned the tragic killing of 16 soldiers in Okuama.

In a press statement issued by him, the monarch expressed deep concern over the senseless act of violence and called on the authorities to swiftly apprehend those responsible for the dastardly act and bring them to justice.

Ikolo emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and security within the area, urging for the protection of law-abiding residents from such acts of violence.