A Commanding, one major and 13 soldiers have been killed by youths in an Ijaw community in Delta State.
The soldiers were on a peace mission to settle the rift between two warring Ijaw communities.
The incident took place in Bomadi LGA of Delta State.
The youths who killed the soldiers were armed.
The Director, Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, on Saturday said those killed were the commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers.
Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, has asked security operatives to apprehend the youths.
Gusau said the troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State were on peace mission to Okuoma community in the LGA.
He said the soldiers were surrounded by some community youths, who killed them.
Gusau said: “The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities, both in Delta State.
He said the reinforcement team led by the commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), directed immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime.
The Army said the occurrence had been reported to the Delta State government.
It said the military remained focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.
“So far, a few arrests have been made while steps are being taken to unravel the motive behind the attack”, Musa said.
Credit: IrohinOodua
