Military Explains Reason Behind Restricting Access to Okuama

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has opened up on why residents of Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State are yet to have access to their homes.

On March 14, suspected residents of the Okuama community ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers.

According to reports, the troops were attacked while responding to a distress call arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme on Wednesday, Musa explained that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and residents of Okuama where the attack took place have no access to the community because the security agencies were carrying out a “cordon and search” operation in the area.

He also said the Nigerian Army was not taking laws into its own hands by declaring wanted, some persons wanted over the killing of the officers.

“We are currently conducting a cordon and search in the community. Cordon and search operation means we are searching every nook and cranny within the community because they have a lot of illegal funds from crude oil theft. They have bought a lot of weapons.

“It is for us to thoroughly clean the community to ensure that no weapon, no explosive is left in the community. I can tell you at the end of the operation, residents of the community will always go back,” he said.

The slain soldiers were buried in Abuja on Thursday.