The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, suggested that the perpetrators behind the tragic killing of 16 officers and men of the 181 Amphibious Battalion in Okuama, Delta State, may not be from the Niger Delta region or even Nigeria.
The assault took place on Thursday, March 14, as armed individuals ambushed and fatally wounded 16 Nigerian Army personnel during a peacekeeping mission to Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Akpabio remarked, “We are not at war. I don’t think they are from the Niger Delta. They may be mercenaries.” In response, the Senate launched an investigation into the killings, directing its Committee on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force to collaborate with military authorities to uncover further details on the incident’s origins.
Furthermore, the Senate urged the Federal Government to apprehend the culprits and ensure they are brought to justice. A moment of silence was observed in tribute to the fallen soldiers.
The Senate stressed the importance of bolstering police recruitment to prevent military involvement in civilian matters.
However, the Senate refrained from extending condolences to the families of innocent civilians who lost their lives during the incident, citing uncertainty about the exact number of casualties.
Rejecting a proposal for relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency for the affected community, the Senate advocated for prompt compensation for the families of the deceased soldiers.
This resolution was proposed by Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, and seconded by Senator Tony Nwoye.