The Army headquarters has expressed dismay at what they perceive as the spreading of false information by a specific community regarding troops allegedly firing on civilians.
Major Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, stated that such propaganda is heartless and deserving of condemnation.
He emphasized that the soldiers killed in the incident were on a peacekeeping mission and were brutally attacked by an armed youth gang.
Nwachukwu criticized the community for resorting to media manipulation instead of cooperating in identifying the perpetrators.
He said, “The unfortunate killing of troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army (NA), while on a peaceful and mediatory mission, after a reported case of communal clash between Okuama and Okoloba Communities in Ughelli South and Bomadi LGAs of Delta State respectively is not only despicable but should be unreservedly condemned by all.
“These were troops committed to peace and security of lives and property of citizens and non-citizens alike in the Niger Delta Region, murdered in cold blood by an armed youth gang, in the most gruesome, heartless and cruel manner and went ahead to sacrilegiously debase their remains by ripping out their hearts by the very people they were there to protect.
“Regrettably, the community complicit in this dastardly act has resorted to media propaganda and shenanigans, rather than engage in a positive effort to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
“This again is a clear indication that the murder of the troops was a communally orchestrated attack against legitimate forces.
“The falsehood being peddled by these criminals and their cohorts to whip up sentiments and sway the public to cover up, endorse or support the outrageous criminal acts of their armed youth gang should be disregarded in its entirety.
“It is only a ridiculous attempt at justifying their crime, rather than turn in themselves to security agencies.
“There is no amount of propaganda that would arm-twist the narrative, they are complicit and must be ready to face the wrath of the law.
“While law-abiding citizens are assured that there will be no reprisal on the part of the troops, we enjoin all to go about their normal activities, even as ongoing efforts are scaled up to positively identify and isolate the criminals to account for their atrocious deeds.
He asserted that the community’s attempts to justify the crime through misinformation will not change the facts and called on them to surrender to the authorities.
Lt Gen Toareed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, offered condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Troops are committed to apprehending the criminals involved, he said.
