The peaceful community of Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State was thrown into chaos early Monday after an invasion by armed soldiers, forcing many residents to flee into the surrounding bush for safety.
The soldiers reportedly arrived with gunboats and speedboats, shooting at anything in sight, leaving the community devastated.
Eyewitnesses claim the soldiers launched the attack at dawn, coming on land from Okoloba after conducting drone surveillance of Okuama the previous day.
The soldiers reportedly killed three youths identified as Ojeh Asah, Uwhubunor James, and Enavwodo Peter, and looted various items, leaving residents in shock and disarray.
“As I speak, soldiers and some youths have stormed our community, shooting at anything in sight.
“They parked their boats at Okoloba and came on foot. The small tents we have built are being razed,” a community leader told Daily Post.
According to witnesses, the soldiers came in four gunboats and 11 speedboats, towing away a large granite canoe, a sand dredger, generating sets, and other valuables.
Stores were looted, and essential equipment, including POS and pumping machines, were seized.
“They took our generators, POS machines, and pumping machines. The dredger that is currently working in the community was taken along. They also went away with the granite boat that came to the community.
“They destroyed houses. The garri we were processing at the premises of the Anglican Church was all destroyed,” another resident recounted.
Many residents, including children, have been displaced by the invasion, with families becoming separated in the chaos.
“Everyone is in disarray. We were forced to run into the bush. Before we came out from the bush, I couldn’t find my child. Why are we being treated in this manner?” a distressed father lamented.
He also expressed concern about what appears to be collusion between the military and local enemies of the community, pointing to the arrest of several community leaders in recent weeks.
“Why will soldiers team up with our enemies to attack us? Our leaders were arrested weeks ago, and now they have come to sack the community,” he added.
The invasion follows a violent history between the Nigerian Army and Okuama community.
In March 2024, a deadly reprisal attack was launched by the Nigerian Army on the community after 17 military personnel were murdered by unknown gunmen near the area.
The latest attack is seen as an escalation of hostilities, leaving residents in desperate need of government intervention.
