By UTEBOR PETER, Asaba
Suspected hoodlums alleged to be members of Okoloba Community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, fully dressed in military uniforms have reportedly attacked Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, both of Delta State, leaving two dead in the deadly mission.
Sources said, “It was gathered that the trouble started in the early hours of Thursday March 14, 2024, when two speed boats belonging to Okuama indigenes were attacked by the hoodlums armed with sophisticated weapons.
“The boys escaped for their lives.
Not satisfied, the gunmen besieged and laid ambush on the community later in the afternoon of same day, before opening fire on the members of community.
“It was gathered that two indigenes of Okuama community died in the process.
“It was reliably learnt that four others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical treatment.
“It was also gathered that miffed by the ugly development, Okuama repelled the suspected Okoloba Indigenes on military camouflage, leaving undisclosed number dead on the spot.
Another source said, “We understand that there are issues between the community indigenes and the military but destroying the entire community is not the way to go!
“We are calling on His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and the Delta State Government to arrest this crisis immediately.
“Painfully, innocent women and children are being killed.”
According to feelers on Friday March 15, 2024, “the suspected Okoloba Indigenes have mobilized from the Warri axis with gunboats for a fresh attack on Okuama community.”
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in his maiden Post Exco briefing, on Thursday February 8, 2024, in Government House, Asaba, informed journalists that there was a security council meeting where the issue was discussed and that government was doing everything to restore peace.
As at press time, efforts to get confirmation from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Edafe Bright, proved abortive.
