The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has briefed President Bola Tinubu on gruesome murder of 16 soldiers on peacekeeping mission in the state by a band of criminals.
Those killed in the ambush in the river rine community of Okuoma, in Ugheli South Local Government Area of Delta State comprised a lieutenant colonel, two majors, one captain, and other soldiers of the rank and file.
The Delta Governor who spoke to State House Correspondents in Abuja on Monday assured that those behind the heinous act would be tracked and brought to justice.
Oborevwori who said that the situation had been brought under control added that the government was committed to the protection of innocent citizens from being the victims of the lawless acts of criminals.
The Governor did not mention the casualty figure in the operations due to security reasons.
The soldiers were on a peace mission to intervene in a land dispute between two communities in the state, Okuama, an Urhobo town, and Okoloba, an Ijaw community, when they murdered by youths of Okuama
Those who committed the gruesome murder dismembered their bodies which were recovered by the military.
He said: “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.”
“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 (Monday), I was in Bomadi for security meeting and I got full details and briefings, so, some of these are Securiry issues that you cannot say publicly. That’s the truth and we are managing the situation.”
“The way forward are two ways. The people that have been killed, the officers and soldiers, we must see how we can find succour for the families and given beffiting burial, also the community. 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.
“We are still on it, by the time I get back, I get more details. First and formost, the community people, the place has been deserted, the issue of whether you have been able to see the community leaders, no…”