Army Gives Chilling Update As Troops Recover Slain Soldiers’ Hearts, Carryout Operations In Many Delta Communities
The Defence Headquarters provided a somber update yesterday regarding the recent massacre of 17 Army officers and personnel in Okuama, Delta State.
They confirmed the recovery of decomposing hearts belonging to some of the victims and stated that efforts to apprehend the perpetrators were intensifying, though no significant arrests had been made yet.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar described the soldiers’ killing as a national tragedy, emphasizing, “This is a national tragedy that has shaken us to the core.”
Also, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, condemned it as barbaric, stating, “This act is nothing short of barbarism, and those responsible must face the full force of the law.”
Niger Delta Development Minister, Abubakar Momoh, vowed that the killers would not escape justice, affirming, “We will not rest until the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.”
Residents of the community, fearing reprisals, have fled their homes, enduring the anguish of starvation and deprivation since the incident occurred.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, revealed ongoing military operations aimed at recovering the weapons of the deceased soldiers. He disclosed, “Our efforts have led to the recovery of the decomposing hearts of some of the murdered soldiers.”
Troops have conducted operations in several communities, including Akugbene, Ukuama, Okoloba, Ukuama Amusamo, Akwagbe, Arhavwarien, Pirigbene, and Igbomatoro in Delta State.
Buba addressed a viral video implicating individuals in the killings, stating, “This video aids our investigation, allowing us to focus on persons of interest and their associates.” He urged cooperation from state governments and host communities in apprehending the perpetrators, declaring, “There can be no hiding place for those who commit such atrocities against our nation.”
Apart from the Okuama incident, Buba highlighted the successes of troops across various theaters of operation, including the neutralization of 106 alleged terrorists, the arrest of 103 suspected criminals, and the rescue of 96 kidnap victims. Troops recovered numerous weapons, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, mobile phones, radios, and cash, underscoring their dedication to protecting the nation’s citizens.
