By Halimah Olamide
In what seemed like a reprisal for the killing of about 17 soldiers including a Commander and two Army Majors, the Okuoma community in Delta state has been razed down.
Videos seen by the NPO Reports showed that structures were set ablaze while people scampered for safety.
The Nigerian Army had earlier declared a manhunt for those youths who killed the soldiers.
NPO Reported on Saturday that the soldiers were ambushed while on a mission in the area.
Defence Acting Director of Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, had said in a statement on Saturday that men of the Amphibious Battalion had come under attacks with many of them killed in the ambush by hoodlums.
“The troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, while on a peace mission to Okuoma community in BOMADI LGA of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March 2024,” Gusau said.
“The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.”
In the video circulating, many structures could be seen being burnt with some voices of waling at the background. But another voice narrating the incident could be heard saying “Your eye go clear well well, I swear to God. No worry.”
Many had expected a reprisal given previous similar incidents where men of the Armed forces had come under attacks.
A notable example was Odi in Bayelsa state where men of the Nigerian Army were killed. The village was brought down in retaliation.