The House of Representatives Committee on Defence is set to conduct an investigative hearing on Thursday to probe the brutal murder of 17 military personnel in the Okuama community of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State. The soldiers, including a Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, and a Captain from the 181 Amphibious Battalion, were ambushed and killed by hoodlums during a peacekeeping mission on March 14.
The hearing, in accordance with the House's resolution on March 19, 2024, to investigate the incident's root causes, will take place at the Government House Annex in Edjeba, Warri South Local Government Area. The committee has called for public cooperation and encourages individuals with relevant information to come forward during the hearing.
In response to the soldiers' killing, military personnel reportedly carried out a reprisal attack, destroying property in the Okuama riverine community. This action has forced residents to seek refuge in the neighbouring bushes of Ewu Kingdom. The investigative hearing aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify the perpetrators, and prevent such occurrences in the future.
Interested parties and stakeholders are invited to participate and provide valuable information and recommendations. Memoranda can be submitted to the Clerk of the Committee, Musa Aliyu, at Room 315 White House, House of Representatives, National Assembly, Three Arms Zone, Abuja. The public investigative hearing is scheduled for Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 10 am at the Conference Hall, Government House Annex, Edjeba Warri, Delta State.
