Senate Mandates Investigation into Killing of Nigerian Army Personnel in Delta

The Nigerian Senate has taken decisive action in response to the tragic killing of 16 Nigerian Army personnel in Okuama Community, Delta State, on March 14. In a plenary session on Tuesday, the Senate mandated its committees on Army, Defence, Air Force, and Navy to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

The motion, titled “The killing of Nigerian Army Personnel in Okuama Community, Delta State and the Necessity for an Urgent Investigation,” was raised by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua (APC- Katsina). He emphasized the gravity of the situation, describing it as a serious threat to national security and stability.

According to Senator Yar’adua, the loss of a commanding officer, 2 majors, a captain, and 12 soldiers during a peace mission underscores the urgency of the matter. He stressed the importance of identifying and apprehending those responsible for the heinous crime, urging the Federal Government to ensure they face the full consequences of their actions through a fair and transparent legal process.

Senator Yar’adua also highlighted the broader context of the incident, pointing out the challenges posed by the understaffing of the Nigeria Police. He noted that the military has been forced to take on internal policing duties, including combating organised crime, oil theft, communal crises, kidnappings, and banditry.

In response to these challenges, the Senate has taken a proactive stance, recognizing the need for justice, accountability, and effective security measures to safeguard the nation’s stability and security.