Senate President Godswill Akpabio suggested on Tuesday that the perpetrators of the recent killing of 15 soldiers in Delta State may be foreigners or mercenaries, as Nigeria is not at war. The attack occurred during a peace mission to the Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area.
During a debate on the incident, Akpabio expressed doubt that the assailants were from the Niger Delta region. Following the discussion, the Senate ordered an investigation into the killings. The Committee on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force was directed to collaborate with military authorities to ascertain the motive behind what was described as a "dastardly act."
The Senate called on the Federal Government to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators, and also recommended the recruitment of more policemen to handle civil matters and reduce the military's involvement. However, the Senate declined to observe a minute of silence or offer condolences to the families of civilians killed during the incident, as the number of civilian casualties was unknown.
The Upper Chamber did, however, pass a resolution for the immediate compensation of the families of the slain soldiers. This decision was put forward by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau and seconded by Senator Tony Nwoye.
