The Presidency on Thursday urged Nigerians to report those the military declared wanted over the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community, Delta State.
President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged Nigerians to report the culprits to the nearest military or police formations.
On March 14, the troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, while on a peace mission to Okuoma Community, were ambushed and killed by some irate youths.
The incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.
The personnel comprised one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain, and 13 soldiers.
The deceased soldiers were buried yesterday at the Military Cemetery in Abuja.
Following their burial, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters declared eight people, including a woman, wanted in connection with the killing.
The announcement was made during a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday.
DHQ named the suspects to include: 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.
The DHQ has urged anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of these individuals to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
Reacting, Onanuga posted on X: “Defence Headquarters declares eight people and a woman wanted in connection with the killing of our military men in Okuama on 14 March. Have you seen them? Be a patriot by reporting them to any military formation or the police.”
