Okuama Still Not Accessible Due To Cordon-And-Search, Says Defence Chief

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has explained why residents of Okuama in Delta State are yet to have access to their homes days after the military took over the community.

Musa said they are currently conducting a cordon and search in the community.

Recall that suspected residents of the Okuama community had on March 14 ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers.

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Military authorities said the troops were attacked while responding to a distress call arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.

Eight suspects have since been declared wanted in connection with the dastard act by the Defence Headquarters.

However, while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme on Wednesday, Musa explained that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and residents of Okuama where the attack took place have no access to the community because the security agencies were carrying out a “cordon and search” operation in the area.

He also said the Nigerian Army was not taking laws into its own hands by declaring wanted, some persons wanted over the killing of 17 officers.

“We are currently conducting a cordon and search in the community. Cordon and search operation means we are searching every nook and cranny within the community because they have a lot of illegal funds from crude oil theft. They have bought a lot of weapons.

“It is for us to thoroughly clean the community to ensure that no weapon, no explosive is left in the community. I can tell you at the end of the operation, residents of the community will always go back,” he said.