- Says Action, Military Operation, Not Invasion
- Monarch Appeals For Calm
By Chika Kwamba (with Agency Report)
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. J H Abdusallam, has indicated that the Nigerian Army will continue to conduct operations in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, until its equipment and arms, which were allegedly carted away by hoodlums are recovered.
“We will continue to conduct operations until our equipment and our arms that were carted away are recovered,” the GOC declared while addressing journalists, yesterday.
He remembered with sadness how troops were brutally murdered in Okuama community in March 2024.
Abdusallam denied reports that the Army invaded the community on Monday.
“This is Nigeria. I don’t understand when you say the Nigerian Army invaded a place. When the Nigerian Army goes to operations in a place it is called operations. Why do you say it is an invasion?
“If we are conducting normal military operations in other places, it’s normal military operation not invasion. So, it’s a normal military operation that the military went to conduct in Okuama not invasion.”
…As Ewu-Urhobo Monarch Calls For Calm
Meanwhile, following the Monday’s suspected Army attack on the Okuama community, which resulted in the loss of lives, and significant property damage, the King of Ewu Urhobo Kingdom, His Majesty, Clement Ikolo yesterday, appealed to all indigenes of the community to refrain from any actions that will disrupt the peace and unity of the land.
The monarch, who made the appeal in an open letter to his subjects, said: ‘’My beloved people of Ewu Urhobo Kingdom, In this period of uncertainty and concern regarding the developments in Okuama.I address you with profound empathy and a deep sense of responsibility. I understand the anxiety that many of you are feeling, and as your King, I share your concerns.
“I want to assure you that the government has been duly informed of the situation, and concrete steps are being taken to address the matter. I urge you all to remain calm and trust that the appropriate authorities are working tirelessly towards a peaceful resolution’’.
He assured the people of the State government’s commitment in the protection of lives and properties, as necessary measures were in place to prevent future incidents.
Expressing his concern for the people, the monarch said: “Our strength as a people has always been rooted in our unity, peace, and wisdom. It is in times like these that we must draw upon those values more than ever. I implore you to continue to be patient and refrain from any actions that may disturb the peace in our land. “I am fully committed to working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that peace and security are maintained, and I urge you all to remain law-abiding, as we always have. Together, we will overcome this situation with dignity and strength”, Ikolo said. Furthermore, he prayed for the wisdom of their ancestors to guide them through these times, even as they continue to find strength in one another.
