Urging the Nigerian populace, the Presidency has called for assistance in tracking down individuals declared wanted by the military in connection with the tragic killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community, Delta State.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, emphasized the importance of reporting any information regarding the suspects to the nearest military or police stations.
The unfortunate event took place on March 14, as troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, were ambushed and fatally attacked by agitated youths during a peacekeeping mission in Okuoma Community.
The soldiers had intervened following a distress call stemming from a communal conflict between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities within Delta State.
The victims included one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain, and 13 soldiers, who were laid to rest at the Military Cemetery in Abuja.
Subsequently, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters identified eight suspects, one of whom is a woman, allegedly linked to the killings during a press briefing held in Abuja.
The individuals named by DHQ are as follows: Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbo (a.k.a Amagben), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Clement Ikolo Ogenerukeywe, Reuben Baru, and Igoli Ebi.
DHQ has called for any person possessing relevant information on the whereabouts of these suspects to step forward and contribute to the ongoing investigation.
In response to the announcement, Onanuga issued a statement on X, urging vigilance: “Defence Headquarters declares eight individuals and one woman wanted in connection with the killing of our military personnel in Okuama on 14 March. Have you sighted them? Demonstrate patriotism by reporting their whereabouts to any military establishment or the police.”