The Military Board of Inquiry, established by the Defence Headquarters to investigate the tragic killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, has commenced its proceedings.
The panel convened on Wednesday at the Governor’s Office Annexe in Warri South Local Government Area, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Although the meeting was scheduled for 2:00 p.m., it began around 3:45 p.m., with six representatives from the Okoloba Community in Bomadi Local Government Area present.
However, there was no representation from the Okuama Community.
David Tonwe, the Director-General of Political and Security Services in Delta State, escorted the Okoloba stakeholders into the meeting room. He informed journalists that they were not permitted to participate in the meeting.
The soldiers, including a commanding officer, two majors, a captain, and 13 others, were ambushed and killed on March 14. They were reportedly responding to a longstanding land dispute between Okoloba and Okuama communities.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State had received the military board at the Governor’s Office Annexe last Friday. During the meeting, he called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the tragic incident.
The governor assured the panel of the state government’s cooperation, promising to provide them with relevant information. He emphasized the need to prevent further suffering for innocent citizens, expressing the state’s commitment to submitting a position paper outlining its role in the situation.
“We will also come up with our position paper to submit to you people before you leave. That will guide you on the role that we have played as a state because if we do not come with this position paper, you will not know the role that the state has played,” Governor Oborevwori stated.
