Hoodlums kill Army Commander, two Majors, Captain, others in Delta

The Defence Headquarters says it will go after youths, who killed 16 of its personnel attached to 181 Amphibious Batallion in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.

Those reportedly killed were, the Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers.

Trouble started on Thursday when the troops responded to a distress call regarding a communal crisis between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities.

Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, Director, Defence Information, said on Saturday that the troops were surrounded by some community youths who were armed with weapons and killed them.

Gusau said that the troops, led by the commanding officer, while on the peace mission, were attacked.

“The troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State while on peace mission to Okuoma Community were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March, 2024.

“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.

“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, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime.

“The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State government.

“However, the military remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country. So far, a few arrests have been made while steps in place to unravel the motive behind the attack,” he stated.