The Nigerian Army has decried the use of propaganda by the Okuama Community in Delta State following the gruesome murder of troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion while on a peacekeeping mission in the Delta State communities of Okuama and Okoloba.
The troops, dedicated to maintaining peace and security in the volatile Niger Delta Region, were mercilessly killed by an armed youth gang from the Okuama Community in a brutal and heartless manner.
The incident, which occurred amidst a reported communal clash between the two communities, has sparked widespread condemnation from all quarters. The troops, who were there to protect the lives and property of citizens and non-citizens alike, were not only brutally murdered but also had their bodies desecrated by having their hearts ripped out by the very people they sought to safeguard.
In a statement, Director of Army Public Relations Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said, despite the heinous nature of the crime, the community responsible for the attack has chosen to engage in media propaganda and evasion tactics rather than cooperating with authorities to apprehend the perpetrators.
This disturbing behaviour, Nwachukwu said, suggests a coordinated effort to shield the culprits and undermine the legitimacy of the slain troops.
“Efforts by the criminals and their associates to spread falsehoods and manipulate public opinion to justify their actions must be unequivocally rejected. It is clear that these attempts are aimed at deflecting accountability and evading justice rather than seeking genuine resolution through lawful means.”
Nwachukwu noted that, as the investigation unfolds, it is imperative that the perpetrators of this appalling crime are swiftly brought to justice to ensure that the sacrifice of the fallen troops is not in vain. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who selflessly dedicate themselves to upholding peace and security in the face of senseless violence.
“There is no amount of propaganda that would arm-twist the narrative, they are complicit and must be ready to face the wrath of the law.
He assured law-abiding citizens that there would be no reprisal on the part of the troops, while enjoining all to go about their normal activities, even as ongoing efforts are scaled up to positively identify and isolate the criminals to account for their atrocious deeds.
Reacting to the incident, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, while commiserating with the families of officers and soldiers who lost their lives, has directed that no stone should be left unturned until the perpetrators of this gruesome acts are apprehended to face the full wrath of the law. Troops are determined to get these criminals, there is certainly no hiding place for them.
