By Ayodele Oni
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has advised that investigations into killing of soldiers on peace mission in Delta state should be extended beyond the state.
He was of the view that the individuals responsible for the tragic killing of 16 officers and men of the 181 Amphibious Battalion in Okuama, Delta State, are likely not from the Niger Delta region or even Nigeria.
The soldiers were attacked last week, when armed men ambushed and killed 16 Nigerian Army personnel during a peacekeeping mission to Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Akpabio expressed his views, stating, “We are not at war. I don’t think they are from the Niger Delta. They may be mercenaries.”
Following the discussion, the Senate initiated a probe into the killings. It directed its Committee on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force to collaborate with military authorities to gather more information on the incident’s causes.
Additionally, the Senate called on the Federal Government to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face justice. A minute of silence was observed in honour of the slain soldiers.
The Senate also emphasized the need to bolster police recruitment to prevent military involvement in civil matters.
However, it declined to extend condolences to the families of innocent civilians killed during the incident, as the exact number of casualties remained unknown.
While rejecting a proposal for relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) for the affected community, the Senate called for immediate compensation for the families of the deceased soldiers.
This resolution was put forward by Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, and seconded by Senator Tony Nwoye.
