From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
A traditional ruler in Osun State, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has condemned the killings of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in the Okuama community of Delta State and described it as a national disaster and affront to the security outfits of Nigeria.
He said the heinous crime committed by the Okuama community is a security sacrilege and aberration that must be addressed diligently, calling for an investigation to unravel the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
A statement made available to Journalists by Oluwo through his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, on Tuesday, commiserated with the federal government, the Nigerian Army, and the immediate family of the victims.
The monarch challenged traditional rulers to take responsibility, noting that swift intervention of the community rulers/leaders could have prevented the national disaster.
“An attack on the Nigerian troops is an attack on Nigeria itself. A security sacrilege, aberration, and abomination have been committed by the people of the Okuoma community. The murdered soldiers are servants on peace missions to quench warring towns.
“The community rulers, mostly the monarchs, should be alert to their responsibilities. Such heinous crimes can never happen under watch. The local government chairmen who are the official security officers should also brace up. If you can’t control your people at such a fragile moment, it tells a lot about your leadership credits.
“The occurrence is not an external representation of our military. It’s not an indication of a calm security. The government must ensure the perpetrators are duly punished to serve as a deterrent to others,” Oluwo said.