The full details of how 22 military men on rescue mission to Okuama community in Ughelli South local government area, Delta State, have began to emerge.
The officers, who were reportedly ambushed and taken unawares by armed fighters of the community, were murdered in cold blood.
Recall that, Wednesday last week, the Bomadi Division of the JTF led by Maj. Jaffa embarked on a rescue mission to Okuama community to free a kidnapped youth, Mr Anthony Aboh, an indigene of neighbouring Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area, who was abducted over the lingering land dispute between the two communities.
According to a source, who was a civilian in the military team, the commander and his men were taken unawares while on their way back to the waterfront after a deadlocked round table discussion in the Okuama community hall over the kidnapped youth.
“We were coming back to our boats after the unfruitful discussion to release the kidnapped victim of Okoloba community. Suddenly, there were rains of bullets coming from all directions and some of us managed to escape. Many people were killed during the ambush, including the former honourable from Okoloba community, who reported the matter to the JTF.
“But, the commander and other officers were held hostage and taken to an unknown destination towards the creek opposite the community”, he said.
Our findings also revealed that, twenty-two military men have been confirmed dead at Okuama community, among them are one Lt colonel, 2 majors, One Captain and eighteen soldiers.
Moreso, the lifeless body of the kidnapped youth, Mr Anthony Aboh, has been recovered floating on River Forcados.
According to an Okoloba community source, “We found the lifeless body of Mr Anthony Aboh floating on River Forcados near Ayakoromor community, and like other victims, he was blindfolded with hands tied behind his back”.
Also, the headless corpses of 14 of the fallen soldiers were recovered from the waters of Okuama community on Saturday evening.
It was further gathered that the bodies of the soldiers were dismembered by youths.