The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of reprisal against the Okuama community in Delta State following the killing of military personnel, dismissing it as propaganda. Despite the arrest of about 20 suspects, tensions persist in the area.
The Defence headquarters released the names of the slain soldiers, emphasizing the community’s complicity in the attack. Meanwhile, a community leader accuses the military of indiscriminate arrests and warns of parallels to the Odi incident of 1999.
Reports suggest soldiers have resorted to burning houses in Okuama, further escalating the situation. The Defence Headquarters vows to bring the perpetrators to justice while assuring no reprisal attacks.
In a related development, soldiers reportedly invaded Igbomotoru community in Bayelsa State, intensifying fears in the region. Efforts to reach the military for comment were unsuccessful.