Nigeria is negatively portrayed by the killing of soldiers, IPCR grieves.
The 16 soldiers who were killed in a communal fight in Delta State have been denounced by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution.
Under the direction of Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the Nigerian Army's General Officer Commanding 6 Division, the Joint Task Force retrieved the mutilated bodies of the troops at the Okuama locality.
On Thursday, March 14, 2024, a commanding officer, two Majors, a captain, twelve soldiers, and a civilian were killed in an ambush.
Since January 27, 2024, when some Okoloba youths are alleged to have ambushed and killed three Okuama youths—Igho Meshack, Godspower Awusa, and Okiemute Agbabuleke—over a long-standing land dispute in the area as they were returning from Okwagbe, the neighboring communities have been embroiled in a communal land dispute.
In a statement released on Monday and personally signed by IPCR Director-General Joseph Ochogwu, the institute stated that the act painted the nation in a negative light at a time when President Bola Tinubu was making every effort to fight insecurity.
According to Ochogwu, security officers ought to be applauded for their efforts in keeping the country safe and preventing deaths.
"IPCR denounces the killings of sixteen soldiers in the Okuama autonomous community, Ewu Kingdom, in the Ughelli South Area of Delta State," he declared.It is rather tragic that certain people are still committing acts of violence although we are sincerely praying and striving for peace in our nation to support and draw progress.
"The nation has been negatively depicted at a time when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing everything in his power to fight insecurity due to the deaths of our trained officers and soldiers who were on a peace mission.
"We must give our brave security officers praise for their valiant efforts to protect the country at this difficult period. No matter the state or region, all Nigerians must stand with them. The military represents our national sovereignty, hence citizens must support it wholeheartedly.
Thus, the DG demanded that the incident be thoroughly investigated.
"Our soldiers' devotion and bravery represent the best qualities of sacrifice, courage, and patriotism; we should support them to raise their spirits and encourage them to do more for the nation.
He continued, "We are requesting a comprehensive investigation into the incident and urging the military to maintain the highest level of professionalism at all times, regardless of the provocation."
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