Army Panel To Probe Okuama Killings Commences Sitting April 10

Board of Inquiry constituted by Defence Headquarters to probe the March 17 killing of 17 soldiers at Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, would commence sitting on April 10, 2024, in Warri.

Chairman of the Board, Air Vice Marshal David Ajayi, told the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, that the committee is on a fact-finding mission, not to heap blame on anyone.

Ajayi said, “We are on a fact-finding mission and not to apportion blame. We are here to gather facts from security agencies, community leaders, and community dwellers.

He added that the report will help the military facilitate healthy communication aim at ensuring civil-military relations.

Meanwhile, Okuama leaders who spoke to newsmen about the sitting of the panel, said the people would not be part of the inquiry.

One leader said who preferred anonymity said: “Our people cannot participate in the military inquiry because Okuama people are displaced in the bush. How can people come out to attend such meetings? They are not even safe now.”

Okuama community lawyer before the killing incident, Ejedegba Innocent, confirmed that Okuama people would not attend the sitting.

However, a leader of Okoloba community, which has a land dispute with the Okuama, stated that the people would take part in the inquiry today.

According to Vanguard, the panel would commence sitting in the morning, and meet with Okoloba community leaders from 2 pm.

The panel will, thus, resume sitting in Bayelsa State on the issue on the 12 of April, 2024.

Delta State government has, however, expressed interest in presenting a position paper to the military inquiry.