The Nigerian military has declared eight individuals wanted in connection with the recent killing of 17 soldiers in Delta State.
The soldiers were reportedly ambushed and killed on March 14 while responding to a communal clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in the state. This attack sent shockwaves through the nation, and the military responded with a search operation alongside a manhunt for the perpetrators.
On Thursday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) released a statement identifying eight suspects allegedly involved in the killings. The list includes a professor, Ekpekpo Arthur, alongside seven others: Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono (also known as Amagbem), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukevwe, Reuben Baru, and Igoli Ebi, the only woman named among the suspects.
The DHQ spokesman Edward Buba urged citizens to be vigilant and assist in apprehending the wanted individuals. “Citizens are our first line of intelligence and must rise to the occasion,” he said.
The DHQ had declared last week that “There can be no hiding place for perpetrators of such a dastardly act against the nation.” The military’s response reflects the seriousness with which they view this attack.
The killing of 17 soldiers is a significant loss and apprehending the suspects will be a priority to ensure justice is served. The manhunt for the suspects sends a strong message that such violence will not be tolerated. TruthNigeria reported a reprisal attack in Bayelsa that claimed the lives of 50 local residents. However, the Army denounced that claim of a reprisal, calling it propaganda from Okuama community partisans.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
