By Temitope Mustapha, Abuja
The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the killing of 16 military personnel in Okuoma Community in Bomadi Local Government Area of the state.
Recall that 16 military personnel comprising a Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 soldiers were killed while on a “peacekeeping mission” in Okuoma community.
Governor Oborevwori, who briefed journalists at the State House after the meeting with President Tinubu, said the situation had been brought under control, assuring that perpetrators of the brutal murder of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the incident would be tracked and brought to justice.
The governor, who also assured that there would be no more of such attacks in the area, further assured that government would ensure that innocent citizens do not suffer for the offense committed by criminals.
“Since last year, we have been enjoying peace in Delta State and we commend all security agencies.
“Mr. President assured me that he is in support of the peace and we both condemned the killing of the officers and the soldiers who were on peace mission.
“What is happening now is something that we didn’t bargain for but we want to assure everybody that there would be no more attack on the villages if there is anyone that has happened in the past.”
The governor failed to confirm the report of reprisal attacks said to be carried out by the military and the number of casualties, adding that being a security issue there are certain things he will not declare to public.
He said that he met with the security heads in Bomadi on Monday but has been unable to meet with the community involved disclosing that the area of the incident is completely deserted.
“We know that those who are culpable would be brought to book. But the innocent citizens would not be attacked.
“When something happens like this, it is always easy to manage the tension. Yesterday, I was in Bomadi for securiry meeting and I got full details and briefings, so, some of these are Security issues that you cannot say publicity. That’s the truth and we are managing the situation.
“The issue of whether a place has been burnt down or people have been killed, it has happened but what is the way forward? The way forward are two ways. The people that have been killed, the officers and soldiers, we must see how we can find succor for the families… Anything that has happened in the community in the past, will not happen again. We assure that the people who are culpable will be brought to book.”
