Delta Attack: Army Arrests 20 Suspects

The Nigerian Army has arrested 20 prime suspects for their alleged involvement in the killing of 17 officers and soldiers in the Okuama community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.

Recall that the army personnel comprising a Lieutenant Colonel, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers were killed by youths while on a peace mission at Okuoma community in Delta state.

It was gathered that the slain officers and soldiers were attached to the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Arm, which included the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion.

The lifeless bodies of the army officers and soldiers had been retrieved by the Nigerian Army after they had responded to a distress call after a communal clash between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities in the South-South state.

However, in a new development, a military source told PUNCH that about 20 suspects including three prime suspects had been arrested, and was quick to explain that the operation to arrest perpetrators was yet to be concluded.

“The operation to arrest the perpetrators is still ongoing. I am sure that the three prime suspects in the killing of the soldiers have been arrested. I don’t have the accurate figures of those arrested so far because it is an ongoing operation. If I am to put a figure to it, let me say about 20,” the source, who pleaded not to be named due to lack of authorisation, stated.

When contacted, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, promised to get back.

“You will get details today (Tuesday). It is a developing story and requires accuracy,” he stated.