Delta bloodbath: Villagers run away from Reps hearing over fear of arrest.
The House of Representatives Committee on Defence convened in Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday for an investigative hearing concerning the tragic killing of 17 military personnel in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area. This hearing stemmed from a resolution passed by the House on March 19 to probe the underlying causes of the incident.
Reportedly, 17 military personnel, including high-ranking officers, were ambushed and killed by unidentified gunmen while on a peacekeeping mission in Okuama. Subsequently, in what appeared to be a retaliatory action, military personnel demolished and burnt houses in the Okuama riverine community, prompting residents to seek refuge in nearby Ewu Kingdom.
The committee, led by Babajimi Benson, arrived at the scheduled venue at the Government House Annex, Edjeba, but encountered a delay as residents of Okuama failed to appear, allegedly due to fears of arrest or intimidation by the military.
Nevertheless, Benson assured the public that the committee had received valuable memoranda on the incident from various stakeholders and emphasized that there would be no witch-hunt. He urged anyone with relevant information to submit their memoranda within one week to ensure a comprehensive review.
Addressing concerns about the safety of Okuama residents, Benson reassured them of protection and encouraged their participation in the investigation. He stressed the committee’s commitment to justice and the restoration of peace in the community.
Despite the initial setback, the committee remains determined to gather sufficient information before visiting Okuama and ensuring that the matter is thoroughly addressed. They underscored the importance of hearing directly from the victims to facilitate a fair and comprehensive assessment of the situation.
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