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Founder and President of Soccer 4 peace Foundation, Ozuem Esiri Onyebolise has appealed with the military authorities to halt collective punishment.
Onyebolise in a statement released to journalists in Abuja, joined in the call for peace and restoration of order in Okuoma Community despite threats to life.
He explained that the lost of life, properties and a deep sense of fear from the villagers has caused most of them to flee their homes and hide in neighboring surroundings.
Recall that on Thursday, March 14, 2024, 16 Nigerian soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion were killed while on a mission to halt clashes between two warring communities, Okuama and Okoloba, in Delta State and the Okuama community was razed during the early hours of Sunday, March 17, three days after the soldiers were killed.
According to him,”It’s not clear who razed the houses, but there are strong allegations that soldiers are behind it to retaliate against the death of their colleagues. Residents have been forced to flee their homes to the neighbouring Ughelli community for fear of further reprisal attacks from soldiers.
In view of the tragic turn of events, I call on the military authorities to halt the destruction of the properties of innocent people of Okuama communities. As collective punishment is a serious offence under domestic and international law. Innocent civilians should not be harmed over the actions of the perpetrators.
As it is, I fear for my safety as I have been recieving threats from anonymous calls but i continue to urge the the Federal government and State government to set up a panel of investigations to the matter on ground and normality returned to the Community..”
