From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has just briefed President Bola Tinubu on the incident that led to the killing of 16 soldiers comprising a lieutenant colonel, two majors, one captain, while on a peacekeeping mission in Okuoma community, Ughelli South council area of the state last week.
He told State House Correspondents at the end of the briefing that, said the situation had been brought under control, assuring that perpetrators of the brutal murder of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the incident would be tracked and brought to justice.
The governor vowed to prevent further attacks in the area, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting innocent civilians from the actions of criminal elements.
Despite refraining from disclosing casualty figures due to security concerns, Oborevwori assured the public of ongoing efforts to address the situation.
The governor mentioned a meeting with security officials in Bomadi and expressed difficulty in engaging with the affected community, noting its abandonment following the incident.
He said: “Since last year, we have been enjoying peace in Delta State and we commend all security agencies.
“Mr President assured me that he is support of the peace and we both condemned the killing of the officers and the soldiers who were on peace mission.
“What is happening now is something that we didn’t bargain for but we want to assure everybody that there would be no more attack on the villages if there is anyone that has happened in the past.”
The governor said that he met with the security heads in Bomadi on Monday but has been unable to meet with the community involved disclosing that the areaof the incident is completely deserted.
“We know that those who are culpable would be brought to book. But the innocent citizens would not be attacked.
“When something happens like this, it is always easy to manage the tension. Yesterday (Monday), I was in Bomadi for security meeting and I got full details and briefings, so, some of these are Securiry issues that you cannot say publicly. That’s the truth and we are managing the situation.”
Asked the way forward, Oborevwori, said: “The way forward are two ways. The people that have been killed, the officers and soldiers, we must see how we can find succour for the families and given beffiting burial, also the community. Anything that has happened in the community in the past, will not happen again. We assure that the people who are culpable will be brought to book.
“We are still on it, by the time I get back, I get more details. First and formost, the community people, the place has been deserted, the issue of whether you have been able to see the community leaders, no. We have only gotten full” he said.