Lt. Commander Koku Imanagagha (rtd.) stated that communities should not be destroyed because of the actions of a few and called for a review of the rules of engagement.
“Killings are going on in different parts of the country but caution should be implored. Communities should not be given the sole responsibility to fish out perpetrators. When it happened in Oddi, 21 of the perpetrators were found in Lagos State. Oddi suffered and the military suffered so caution should be exercised.”
During an interview on Arise TV’s “The Morning Show” on Monday, a retired commander made a statement regarding the recent events in Delta State. The commander expressed sympathy for the families of the victims but also emphasized that the rules of engagement are different when it comes to Delta State.
“Rules of engagement has always been different when it concerns the Niger Delta. This is an area where I think the Federal Government should really look into. We have always seen killings happening in other regions even in Plateau and Niger State but whenever it concerns the Niger Delta. Its always a show of force by the Nigerian Army and obliteration from them.”
He charged same measure of tactics should be used in order to make sure that the society is rid of criminal elements.
Contributing, Dumebi Kachikwu stated that the government has failed successively in tackling the crisis between these communities. He stated that criminals have been emboldened through the docile action of security agencies until another attack is done. He urged the C-in-C to take charge and make it clear that no killing of a military operative and Nigeria will be left unavenged.
“There’s no peculiarity here. The soldiers were killed on a peace keeping mission. You can’t compare North ans South because the North is war zone and the security operatives goes after operatives but in Niger Delta, the people harbour the criminals. Do you know what it takes to kill 22 soldiers? You might be surprised what would be found out if thorough investigations are done.”
On Saturday, President Bola Tinubu granted full authority to the Defence Headquarters to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian Military who were on a rescue mission in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
A Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and twelve soldiers were ambushed while responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State on Thursday. One civilian was also killed.
On Sunday, the Defense Headquarters posted a video of the destruction of the community, which was later removed.
