Okuama Killing: Lawmaker Cautions Military In Hunting For Perpetrators

The member representing Southern Ijaw federal constituency of Bayelsa State in the House of Representatives, Hon Rodney Ambaiowei has called on the military to exercise caution in its efforts to fish out perpetrators of the recent murder of 16 personnel of the Nigerian Army in Okuama, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State.

The lawmaker said the execution of such intelligence reports with utmost caution becomes necessary to minimise collateral damage to innocent and law-abiding citizens.

Ambaiowei who stated these while addressing parliamentary reporters in Abuja yesterday, condemned the incidence and avoidable loss of lives on the side of the military and the communities affected in Ughelli South and Southern Ijaw federal constituency.

He condoled with President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the families of these fallen heroes and the good people of Nigeria over the tragedy while thanking the Bayelsa Government and Delta State Government for their swift response.

“I am sadly compelled to address this press conference following the callous and senseless murder of these officers who were said to be on their line of duty at Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State which event spilled into Igbomotoru, a hitherto peaceful community in my constituency.

“This led to the invasion of the once serene community by men said to be of the military in search of the perpetrators of the heinous crime at Okuama. The aftermath of the invasion was the destruction and killing of some innocent and peace-loving citizens of the Igbomotoru  community which is rather unfortunate and saddening.

“I am aware that the Nigerian Army has the capacity to gather intelligence within a short period. The execution of such intelligence reports should be done with utmost caution to minimise collateral damage to innocent and law-abiding citizens.

“I say this, bearing in mind the invasion and carnage that took place in Odi, November 1999 following the killing of some soldiers and policemen which remains fresh in our memories. Caution and professionalism must be the watchword to forestall unpleasant and regrettable consequences in the approach to bringing the culprits to book,” Ambaiowei said.