Fire has razed down the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State where sixteen soldiers were killed.
Some angry soldiers reportedly razed the community after their colleagues were killed.
The Nigerian Army on Saturday confirmed the killing of its officers who were on a peacekeeping mission to two warring communities in Delta State.
Those who lost their lives include a Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 12 soldiers.
The Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, confirmed the incident, yesterday.
The soldiers were on a rescue mission to Okuama community to free a hostage, one Mr. Anthony Aboh, allegedly abducted over the lingering land dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities when they were ambushed and killed.
Gusau said: “The troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, while on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State, were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March 2024.
“The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.
“The reinforcement team led by the Commanding Officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers.
It was gathered that fourteen lifeless bodies of killed soldiers have been recovered.
Some of the recovered corpses were said to have been beheaded, while the stomachs and hearts of others were ripped off.
At the NDDC jetty in the coastal Delta community, the bodies of the commanding officer and the two killed majors were seen floating by the river bank as others were separated on land.
Meanwhile, manhunt for the killers is still ongoing and some arrests have also been made by the soldiers led by the General Officer Commanding 6 division Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal.
Residents of the coastal community are said to have fled to neighboring Ughelli for fear of a reprisal by the soldiers who have been patrolling the creeks.
The defence spokesman said the incident has been reported to the Delta State Government, adding that the CDS has also directed that the culprits be unmasked.
According to him, some suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
He also reiterated the commitment of the military to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in various parts of the country.
